ABSTRACT
In the first six to eight weeks after childbirth, women can experience situations and conditions which are physically, emotionally and interpersonally stressful. These stressors can have negative effects on the health of the mother and the child, and on family relationships. In the initial section, this chapter shows the unique experiences and dynamics that characterize the transition from childbirth to the first weeks following the birth of a child. The concept of “maternity blues” or “baby blues” is differentiated from that of “postpartum stress”, and the factors that appear to have a significant influence on the way in which a woman copes with the postnatal experience are highlighted. There follows a description of the main support interventions considered in the literature to be effective for reducing stress and increasing perceived support (psychosocial support interventions at home and by phone). The chapter continues with an emphasis on women’s health needs and the determinants that—from hospital admission to the first months after childbirth—turn out to be relevant for improving care. Finally, there is a focus on the difficulty women have in asking for help, and an attempt to understand the barriers that impede the request for support. Particular attention is given to the stigma that frequently accompanies emotional suffering and perinatal psychopathology.
