Experiences of women with psychological suffering in the puerperium: interpretations and meanings

Abstract

Background: Women in Brazil are guaranteed the right to a puerperal consultation until the 42nd day of the puerperium. It has been observed that they only attend the health services for childcare consultations, and the care provided is solely focused on the newborns. This approach culminates in dissatisfaction, inadequate guidance, and unresolved care to puerperal health. Methods: A qualitative research was conducted on 27 puerperae from São Paulo, guided by the compass of the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism and processed by the methodological framework of narrative analysis. Results: I. Disenchantments in the puerperium: groping the puerperium in concreteness; inexorable fatigue in the praxis of maternity; devotion to the care of the newborn; unpleasant bodily changes in the puerperium and fragile self-care; II. Via crucis of breastfeeding; III. Restlessness in the puerperium; IV. Nuances of psychological suffering in the puerperium. Conclusions:When entering the world of the puerperium, the difficulties encountered with the care of the newborn and breastfeeding point to the woman's susceptibility to puerperal blues, fatigue, anxiety, and puerperal depression. Moreover, other sufferings such as non-suicidal self-injury, periodic binge eating disorder, and puerperal obsessive-compulsive disorder may also occur. Nonetheless, professionals should be prepared for the detection, treatment, and follow-up of psychological depression in the puerperium.