Authors

  1. Lee, Nikki MS, RN, IBCLC, CCE

Article Content

Thank you for Cheryl Tatano Beck's "Postpartum Depression" (May), which brings this serious condition to nurses' attention and gives clinicians a tool (the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised) to help screen women for risk.

 

Short, regular massages can significantly alleviate depression that occurs during pregnancy-at the same time relieving back and leg pain and possibly improving neonatal outcomes. 1 For women with postpartum depression, dietary adjustment and regular exercise should be recommended as supportive strategies, in addition to support groups, psychotherapy, and medication. 2

 

Nikki Lee, MS, RN, IBCLC, CCE

 

Elkins Park, PA

 

REFERENCES

 

1. Field T, et al. Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2004; 25(2):115-22. [Context Link]

 

2. Kendall-Tackett K. Depression in new mothers: causes, consequences, and treatment alternatives. New York: Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press. 2005. [Context Link]