This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Spirituality may improve postpartum depression in Latina, black mothers
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Black and Latina mothers who believed in a higher power and engaged in spiritual practices, such as praying and attending church, reported decreased stress and risk for self-harm.
“Section 10212 of the [Affordable Care Act] focuses on allowing the states to reimburse services provided by faith-based and other nontraditional organizations in collaboration with traditional health-care providers. The mechanism for how states will reimbursed the care hasn’t been developed, so we're not sure how those nontraditional services will be reimbursed,” Robert H. Keefe, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, of State University of New York at Buffalo, said in a press release. “What we do know is that many new mothers of color have their faith communities to help them in relieving [postpartum depression], so we’re hopeful that we can help health care providers and faith-based organizations to work collaboratively to assist new mothers with [postpartum depression].”
To characterize the role of faith, church participation and spiritual practices in coping with postpartum depression, researchers conducted semi-structure qualitative interviews with new black (n = 19) and Latina (n = 11) mothers with histories of postpartum depression.
All mothers identified as Christian and most reported following personal faith beliefs, including believing in god or a higher power.
They reported that participating in various spiritual practices, such as praying alone and attending church services, changed their feelings, thoughts and actions, which in turn helped them cope with postpartum depression.
Mothers reported feeling relief from stress and burdens after praying and attending church.
One mother reported that being recognized and valued by fellow church members helped her feel valued and less alone.
Praying and attending church helped mothers feel grateful and during very difficult times, and several reported changing their thinking to become thankful for things god had given them.
Mothers reported changes in their relationships, including being more open and connected with family, surrounding themselves with positive individuals, sharing experiences, engaging in mutual aid and developing empathy.
Finally, some mothers reported their belief in a higher power saved them from self-harm. Others reported their spiritual beliefs led to spiritual practices that prevented self-harm.
“As health disparities continue to mount, practitioners will need to call upon the assistance of a broad range of support services to address unmet and growing needs. The church remains a vital support system within communities of color. This study helps to support the church’s role in meeting the health, social, and emotional needs of its members and in providing more insight into the lived experiences of mothers with postpartum depression,” the researchers concluded. – by Amanda Oldt
Disclosure: Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.