International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
VOLUME 26(20) (2024)
Exploring Effective Interventions for Postpartum Blues: A Review of Current Literature
Ika Novita Sari1, 2, Tukimin bin Sansuwito3
1PhD Student in Nursing, Lincoln University Collage, Malaysia
2Lecturer Bachelor at Nursing, Batam University, Indonesia
3Lecturer, Faculty of Health Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysia
Abstract
Postpartum blues, or “baby blues,” is a common condition affecting 50-80% of new mothers, marked by mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, and fatigue. It typically emerges within the first two weeks postpartum and can impact mother-infant bonding and maternal well-being. Left untreated, it may escalate into more severe postpartum mood disorders. This review aims to assess the efficacy, accessibility, and feasibility of various interventions for postpartum blues, synthesizing current research to inform clinical practices and future studies. A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2024 was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. Articles were selected based on relevance, methodological rigor, and focus on postpartum blues interventions. After screening, 72 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The review identified several effective interventions across different domains: Psychosocial intervention particularly peer support programs and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) were most effective in reducing postpartum blues symptoms; Hormonal and pharmacological interventions, including neuroactive steroids and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), showed mixed but promising results; Nutritional interventions, particularly omega-3 supplementation, demonstrated significant preventive effects; Mind-body interventions, such as mindfulness-based therapies, were effective in improving mood stability; Technology-based interventions, including mobile health applications and AI-driven support, showed potential for scalable and accessible solutions. Psychosocial interventions provide the strongest evidence for managing postpartum blues, while emerging research on hormonal, nutritional, and technology-based interventions offers promising new directions. A personalized, multimodal approach integrating these strategies is recommended for improving maternal mental health during the postpartum period.
Keywords: postpartum blues, intervention types, maternal mental health
Full length article – PDF *Corresponding Author, e-mail: ikanovitasari@univbatam.ac.id Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/9-IJCBS-24-26-20-9