Midwifery
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Postpartum anxiety is a mental health problem that has largely been ignored by maternity care providers despite an estimated incidence as high as 28.9%. Though postpartum anxiety may or may not be accompanied by depression, and while screening for postpartum depression has become more common place, postpartum anxiety is often not assessed or addressed. ⋯ The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale -3A is a valid, easy-to-use tool which should be considered for use in clinical practice. Modification of the electronic health record can serve as an important impetus triggering screening and treatment. It is important that clinicians are educated on the prevalence of postpartum anxiety, its risk factors, symptoms and implications.
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To identify and understand how parents develop a close bond to their infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). ⋯ Bonding and attachment will occur naturally if parents are close to their infants and permitted privacy and time with their infants. NICU staff should create a peaceful and calming environment that enables and supports this bonding process.