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Effect of Nurture on Postpartum Depression Among Mothers of Preterm Neonates in the NICU

Monica Rita Hendricks, Prakash Amboiram, Mariam Odathakal Joseph, Sai Bharath CNV, Smitha Joseph, Suman Rao PN

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth is one of the many precipitating factors contributing to maternal psychological issues. The prevalence of postpartum depression after a preterm birth is estimated at 28% to 70%.

Aim: To study the effect of nurture on maternal depression

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among the mothers of preterm neonates admitted to a level 3 NICU. A total of 110 mothers who delivered between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation were randomly allocated to the nurture or control group. In the nurture group, in addition to kangaroo mother care (KMC), the nurture activities were designed to improve mother–neonate interaction. Standard hospital care, including KMC, was followed in the control group. Mothers were screened for depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on day 3 of admission to the NICU and at discharge from the hospital.

Results and Discussion: At discharge, the EPDS scores were significantly lower in the nurture group than in the control group (interquartile range [IQR], 3 [1–4] vs 4 [2–6]; P = .004).

Conclusion: Nurture significantly reduced postpartum depression and may improve maternal involvement within the constraints of the NICU.