Lost in a Nameless Chaos—Women’s Experiences of Postpartum Depression: A Meta-Ethnographic Study

Postpartum depression is a common complication related to childbearing with an estimated prevalence of 10% - 15%. The aim of the study was to explore and synthesize qualitative empirical studies published between 2005 and 2016 that describe women’s experiences of postpartum depression. Ten qualitative studies describing different perspectives on women’s experiences of postpartum depression were summarized and synthesized using Noblit and Hare’s 7-step meta-ethnographical method. Four central metaphors described women’s experiences of postpartum depression: Feeling trapped by reality, Experiencing a nameless chaos, Struggling to find a way out and Being seen as a normal but suffering person. The findings resulted in the following synthesis: The women expected the transition to motherhood to be a joyous experience. Instead, they found it painful, lonely and experienced losing themselves in a nameless chaos. Motherhood is challenged when women experience losing themselves due to depression rather than building a new identity as a mother. Such a situation causes chaos, shame, anxiety and isolation. When seeking professional help, it is essential that the woman is encountered with empathy and professional knowledge, rather than a pat on the back and an underestimation of her problems.

The Use and Misuse of Mobile Phones in the Maternity Ward—A Threat to Patient Safety?

An important task for the midwife is following up mother-child interaction to facilitate mother-infant attachment. The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ perceptions of parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward. The research question was: Is the use of mobile phones in the maternity ward a threat to patient safety? Two focus group interviews exploring midwives’ perceptions (n = 10) of parent’ use of mobile phones during and after the birth were conducted in January 2016. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data, revealing three themes pertaining to safety concerns: Interrupted communication due to parents’ excessive use of mobile phones during labour and postnatally, Unsafe care caused by lack of attention to the newborn baby’s signals as a result of being disturbed by the mobile phone and Unsafe care because of parents interrupting their conversation with the midwife by answering the mobile, acting in a disrespectful manner and failing to pay attention. The midwives’ descriptions of parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward included reflections on mobile phone usage as a permanent phenomenon. They were concerned that parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward could negatively affect the attachment process and considered that it interrupted their work. In conclusion, there is a need for increased awareness of parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward. Further research is required to gain greater insight into the consequences of mobile phone use in order to promote patient safety by ensuring effective communication between parents and midwives. In addition, research is needed to explore the safety discourse, clinical risks and/or health problems involved in the development of infant-parent attachment in newborn babies.