The impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness: a meta-ethnography

Jones, Catriona C.G.; Jomeen, Julie; Hayter, Mark

Abstract

ObjectiveThis paper is a report of a systematic review and meta-ethnography to explore the impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness (PMI).MethodSystematic review methods identified five qualitative studies about women's experiences of PMI, and the impact peer support has on their journey towards emotional well-being. Findings from the identified studies were synthesised into themes, using meta-ethnography.Synthesis and findingsThe meta-ethnography produced four themes; ‘Isolation: the role of peer support', ‘Seeking validation through peer support', ‘The importance of social norms of motherhood', and ‘Finding affirmation/a way forward; the impact of peer support'. These themes represent women's experiences of PMI, their encounters with peer support groups within that context, and the impact of such encounters on their mental health status.Key conclusionRrecognising the risk of isolation and having pathways of referral to peer support networks is important, as are practitioners roles in nurturing peer support networks in perinatal care. More research is required to establish the most successful formats/structures of peer support. Practitioners should also recognise their individual and collective professional duty to challenge stereotypical depictions of motherhood wherever they arise, as this ‘gold standard' benchmark of good mothering engenders guilt about not being good enough, often leaving women feeling inadequate.Implications for practiceIsolation is a key factor in PMI. Practitioners should be instrumental in their acceptance and development of peer support for PMI, ensuring these networks are valued, nurtured and encouraged. This study illustrates the powerful effect of professional and social forces on how new mothers feel about themselves.

Citation

Jones, C. C., Jomeen, J., & Hayter, M. (2014). The impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness: a meta-ethnography. Midwifery, 30(5), 491-498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2013.08.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 4, 2013
• Online Publication Date: Aug 20, 2013
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Journal: Midwifery
• Print ISSN: 0266-6138
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 491-498
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2013.08.003
• Keywords: Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Maternity and Midwifery
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/432680
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: The impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness: A meta-ethnography; Journal Title: Midwifery; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2013.08.003; Content Type: article; Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.