Meeting the challenges of teenage mothers with postpartum depression: overcoming stigma through support

Objective: This study aimed to elicit and explore the experiences of teenage mothers with postpartum depression focussing on their experiences of being a teenage mother; support needs and the potential for support and education to be delivered by healthcare workers, or peers. Background: Teenage mothers are three times more likely to get postnatal depression than older mothers and are at increased risk of poorer mental health for up to three years postpartum. Method: Fifteen first-time mothers aged 16-19, living in Stoke on Trent, UK, with an infant aged under one year and suffering from postpartum depression were interviewed. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic framework analysis to identify emergent patterns and themes. Results: Four key themes emerged: stigma and perceptions of being judged; social and professional support; knowledge and information; and barriers to utilising support. Conclusion: The results highlighted the stigma, both real and perceived, that teenage mothers experienced as well as the lack of informal support networks for many and the unavailability of relevant and appropriate information targeted at teenage mothers. Some mothers highlighted the positive relationships they had with their health visitor which was essential to them in building a trusting relationship. However, not all had such good experiences, with some reporting that they did not know who their health visitor was. The need for tailored services and innovative methods of delivery are highlighted.