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Evolution of the perinatal care system
Author(s) -
Suzuki Hiroko
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-200x.2001.01371.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care medicine
Background: The perinatal support system for mothers and babies, which has evolved over the past 6 years at the Morioka Red Cross Hospital, is described.Methods: Between July 1995 and August 1999, 1864 puerperal mothers at the Morioka Red Cross Hospital responded to the Maternity Blues Scale (MB) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1 month, each with an open comment form.Results and Discussion: There was a significant difference in each MB item between individuals who scored above 9 points and those who scored lower in the EPDS. Those who later scored high in the EPDS had responses to a preceding MB where we had checked items of ‘confusion’, ‘experience of crying’, ‘anxiety’, ‘exhaustion’, ‘feeling depressed’, ‘nervousness’, ‘agitation’ and ‘forgetfulness’. Administration of the MB and provision of a free comment form significantly decreased EPDS scores. Ensuring that the views of mothers are acknowledged within the context of an adequate care system is central to effective perinatal care.