‘You withhold what you are feeling so you can have a family’: Latinas’ perceptions on community values and postpartum depression

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the postpartum depression (PPD) beliefs and experiences of mothers who access local community faith-based organisations providing family services to low-income, predominantly immigrant Latino populations.DesignUsing a qualitative research design, we conducted 18 focus groups with Latina mothers to inquire about their community values and beliefs of PPD. All groups were conducted in Spanish.SettingAn academic research team located in Houston, Texas, USA, partnered with six faith-based organisations in five cities to recruit and host focus groups at the site of the organisation.ParticipantsOne hundred and thirty-three women participated in the focus groups across all sites. Thirty-seven of them (27.8%) had given birth to a child in less than 1 year. Inclusion criteria included mothers 18 years and older and Latino ethnicity.ResultsA six-step process was used to apply thematic analysis to sort data into the themes. All mothers had heard of depression after childbirth, some had experienced it and most remarked that the personal experience and community acceptance of it vary by family. The main findings suggest that mothers take pride in parenting by instilling values to support family and the value of relying on family for emotional support. Findings reveal that many mothers suffer and sacrifice for their children, they feel judged and feel they must hide their emotions. Factors such as birth and postpartum customs from a native country, gender roles and beliefs of what a good mother shape their beliefs and messages about PPD.ConclusionOur findings indicate that programme developers should consider family and community focused education and intervention efforts to help decrease stigma and increase understanding of PPD.

Latina/Hispanic Women’s Perception of Postpartum Depression

“…The feeling of sadness that some mothers experience after giving birth may not always be a case of the "baby blues". Postpartum depression (PPD) affects an estimated 11% of mothers in the general population (Sampson et al, 2021). However, some populations including Latina/Hispanic women are at greater risk of developing PPD.…”

“…However, some populations including Latina/Hispanic women are at greater risk of developing PPD. In the Latina population, PPD ranges from 23% to 53% among women who are either born in the United States or foreign-born (Sampson et al, 2021). The high prevalence of PPD in this population is concerning, especially since Latinas have a higher fertility rate (Edwards et al, 2021) and birth rate than other ethnic groups (Sampson et al, 2018).…”

“…Rather than seeking professional help for PPD, some Hispanic women use other coping mechanisms such as talking to friends and family, praying, seeking support from their church, self-reflection, dancing, and singing (Sampson et al, 2021). Although these alternative coping mechanisms may provide some relief, not many people understand what PPD is.…”

A Qualitative Analysis of Latina Migrant Farmworkers’ Perception of Mental Health: Voices From Wisconsin

“…Latina 1 immigrants in the United States access lower mental health services than nonimmigrant women although they have urgent mental health needs (Derr, 2016). For example, Latina women have the highest rates of postpartum depression; however, undocumented status, language and cultural barriers, and chronic financial pressures limit their access to mental health care (Casas et al, 2020; Sampson et al, 2021). While mental illness affects women’s ability to meet their employment and household responsibilities, it may be difficult to diagnose and treat specifically among Latina migrant farmworkers 2 who face poor access to health insurance, high rates of poverty, and, in some cases, cultural and language barriers (National Center for Farmworker Health, 2020).…”

“…The evidence noted the role of cultural practices, beliefs, and language in health care–seeking behaviors and health outcomes (Sampson et al, 2021). For example, Latinas have higher risk factors for depression due to gendered work and related challenges, such as child and elder care, job inequality, economic discrimination, and stress from role conflict between concurrent employment and household responsibilities (Pulgar et al, 2016).…”