Lean On Me: Evaluating Support for Women with Postnatal Distress (2002)
Group or Institution
Waikato Insitute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Tara Argaet, Carolyn Evans, Kirsty Greaves, Annie Leung, Amanda Malcolmson (Tutor: Lindsey Mitchem)
Abstract
A group of seven Bachelor of Nursing students and their tutor worked together over a period of fifteen weeks, to complete this project for their community paper. The project involved working collaboratively with the Waikato Medlab Family Centre, with the aim of evaluating the Post Natal Disorders Support Group that the centre facilitates.
A qualitative phenomenological research design was chosen to direct the study. Women who had taken part in a previous support group were invited to share their experiences through semi-structured interviews. In particular, the project aimed to explore the women’s thoughts and feelings before, during and after attending the group.
Transcripts of the interviews were analysed thematically. Subsequently, eight themes were identified that reflected the true meaning of the experiences shared. In addition, structured interviews were also conducted with selected health professionals in order to gain a provider perspective of the services Medlab Family Centre offers.
The findings demonstrate that postnatal distress is a debilitating experience. Despite this, through the supportive environment of the group, the staff and the centre, the women were able to gain strength and confidence, finding within themselves the ability to understand postnatal distress and take control of their own recovery. There was a strong agreement amongst the women that the continuity of care that Medlab Family Centre provides along with the group was invaluable.
Health professionals provided further validation of the importance of the Medlab Family Centre and the services that it offers. They expressed the utmost confidence in the centre to provide a supportive empathetic environment.
As a result of the project, four recommendations are proposed; namely that Medlab Family Centre will continue to be able to provide the services it offers that thought is given to conducting further research involving partners; a network of postnatal distress “survivors” is developed, and that there be more of a balance between education and discussion in further groups.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
The women who shared their stories with the Research Group
The Staff of the Medlab Family Centre: Maureen, Leone, Jenny, Helen, Dianne
Health professionals interviewed
A full copy of the report is available from:
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