The Effect of a Mind Body Intervention Program on Postpartum Depression Scores

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a significant mental health condition affecting both mothers and infants. Traditional treatment with medication has proven to have low adherence, and thus exploration of alternative holistic treatment approaches has been presented in recent literature. Holistic mind-body interventions including yoga, mindfulness, and meditation have been researched in many ways. However, none have explored the impact of a mind-body program delivered on a virtual platform on postpartum depression. The purpose of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to assess the impact of a mind-body virtual intervention for postpartum women with elevated Edinburgh Depression Scale (EPDS) scores on a virtual platform over a period of 6 weeks. Six women in the post-partum period participated once a week in a yoga and mindfulness meditation program over Zoom. An online pre-survey assessed demographics and responses on the EPDS. After the 6-week intervention, the EPDS was given again and pre- and post-intervention scores were compared. In line with previous research, participants’ depression scores on the EPDS declined after program intervention. The mean pre-intervention EPDS score was 13.5/30 and the mean post-intervention was 8.7/30. The results suggest benefits of integrating holistic approaches in treatment for postpartum depression and the need for future research of similar virtual interventions with a larger sample size.