gms | German Medical Science

Background: Perinatal mental illness (PPE) is the most common complication in the peripartal period (pregnancy and the first year after a child’s birth). The illness is associated with a significant reduction in the quality of life of affected women and their children – 50% of children of mentally ill parents also become mentally ill in the course of their lives. The children are also at increased risk for premature birth and growth retardation, the risk of suicide in women is increased in the perinatal period and the risk of recurrence with a mental health diagnosis in the woman’s history before the onset of pregnancy is increased by up to 70 percent. In addition, high societal expectations of “happy” motherhood drive self-stigmatization of women with the disorder and prevent them from dealing openly with their condition. Affected women in the perinatal period account for approximately 15 to 30 percent of women worldwide, depending on the method of study.

Midwives provide services to all insured women before, during and after childbirth in accordance with §134a SGB V. Due to a generally existing professional relationship of trust with the woman, they play a key role in the care of the target group, support the development of a secure parent-child bond and refer the women to further support services. Outreach and continuous midwifery care in particular assigns the professional group a central place in the care of the vulnerable target group.

To date, there is little research on how midwives can improve the quality of care for this target group.

Aim/research question: The aim of the study is to determine the experiences, needs and wishes of the target group regarding perinatal care by midwives as well as to increase the quality of care by midwives. The results of the study will be used as recommendations for teaching and practice.

Methods: Using a retrospective qualitative survey, problem-centered individual interviews with 10–12 affected mothers will be conducted beginning in 9/2023. Access will be gained via medical practices, psychologists, self-help groups and mother-child facilities in NRW. The data analysis will be carried out with the structuring content analysis and the work results will be discussed with a multiprofessional expert group.

Results: First results on the experiences, needs and wishes of women with a perinatal mental illness regarding midwifery care will be presented. Statements on trust in the midwife, on her knowledge and further competences necessary for the target group are expected.

Relevancy: According to previous studies, PPE and its effects on the woman and her family can be well treated preventively, so midwives have a significant role in the care of the target group through their continuity of care.

Recommendations/conclusion: To care for and refer these vulnerable women, midwives should be made aware of and trained in their needs.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: The application has been submitted to the ethics committee of the university. The research was financed by internal project funding by the University of Health Bochum. There are no conflicts of interest.