The psychosocial risk factors of developing perinatal mental health issues in birth mothers of compulsory adopted children

Chandegra, Puja

Abstract

Perinatal mental health (PMH) issues are a common public health concern effecting 10-20% of women during pregnancy and up to one year after birth (Public Health England, 2017). Various biopsychosocial risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing PMH issues and therefore, it seems valuable to understand this in the context of birth mothers of compulsory adoptions. Birth parents facing, or who have faced compulsory removal are frequently exposed to many psychosocial challenges but often disregarded within published literature. With this in mind, this research aimed to investigate the psychosocial risk factors around developing PMH issues within birth mothers of compulsory removals. Through a post-adoption agency, eight birth mothers were initially screened for historical PMH issues using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)- Lifetime (Meltzer- Brody, Boschloo, Jones, Sullivan & Pennix, 2013). The scores helped to indicate the severity of historical signs and symptoms of PMH issues. The mean score for this group of birth mothers was 21.6, suggesting a high severity of PMH signs and symptoms. Five birth mothers then took part in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Five main themes were generated through analysis; ‘Patchy knowledge of PMH’, ‘A troubled life’, ‘PMH problems present’, ‘The agonising grief’, ‘Time to change: pregnant again’. The findings suggested that birth mothers are at higher risk of experiencing PMH issues due to significant psychosocial risk factors such as a lack of social and professional support, lack of partner support, domestic abuse, maternal age, and breastfeeding termination. Implications of this novel research includes ensuring that there is consistent and routine screening for PMH in birth mothers and multi-disciplinary working. Professionals should also be encouraged to build trusting relationships with birth mothers who are often subject to stigma and discrimination.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 5, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 14, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6925871
• Award Date: Oct 14, 2021