The Effects of the Birth Process on Postpartum Depression

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The Effects of the Birth Process on Postpartum
Depression
Heather Evans BSN, RN Doctoral Student
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Purpose

• The purpose of this study will be to examine the
  relationship between intrapartum events and the
  prevalence and severity of postpartum depression.
  
• What are intrapartum events? For this study,
  intrapartum events will be
• - Scheduled C-section - Emergent C-section
• - Vaginal delivery - Pain medication in
  labor
• - Hydrotherapy - Episiotomy/laceration
• - Length of active labor - length of second
  stage
• - Pitocin for labor induction - Pitocin for
  labor augmentation

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Methods Design

• Descriptive, non-experimental, retrospective
  design
• Chart review for demographic data,
  pregnancy-related health information, intrapartum
  events, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale
  (EPDS) scores for 2 6 weeks postpartum.
• Sample will be all women receiving care from a
  practice of 4 Certified Nurse Midwives and
  delivering at the specified Birthing Center
  (rural New England) within a 1 year period.