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The adverse consequences of postpartum depression on the health of the mother and her child are well documented. However, there is little information on postpartum depression among mothers with disabilities. This study examines the patterns of depression and depressive symptoms before, during and after pregnancy and the association between depression before and during pregnancy and postpartum depression symptomatology (PPD) among women with and without disabilities. Data from the 2009-2011 Rhode Island Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) were analyzed in 2013. Almost 30% (28.9%; 95% CI 22.8-35.8) of mothers with disabilities reported often or always feeling down, depressed or sad after childbirth compared to 10% of those without disabilities (95% CI 8.9-11.3). Compared to other women in the study, women with disabilities had a greater likelihood for PPD symptoms (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2) after accounting for sociodemographics, maternal characteristics related to PPD, and depression before and during pregnancy. Adjusting for other covariates, self-reported prenatal diagnosis of depression was not associated with symptoms of PPD and depression during pregnancy was marginally associated with PPD symptomatology for women with disabilities. Women with disabilities are at a greater risk of experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression than other women. Screening for PPD among new mothers with disabilities and timely referral of those with PPD diagnosis are vital to the health of mothers with disabilities and their children. Keywords Disability * Postpartum depression * Women with disabilities * Pregnancy, Introduction Increasing numbers of women with disabilities are choosing to become pregnant and bear children [1, 2]. A recent analysis of National Health Interview Survey data found that 2% of [...]

There is a paucity of information concerning adaptive parenting strategies utilised by mothers with physical disabilities, particularly during early motherhood. The purpose of this study is to describe the adaptive strategies used by mothers with physical disabilities during early motherhood. This qualitative study included semi‐structured telephone interviews between January and March 2014 with US mothers with a range of physical disabilities who had a baby within the past 10 years (N = 25). Interviews were audio‐recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded using content analysis. Analysis revealed five broad themes indicating important adaptive parenting strategies for mothers with physical disabilities caring for infants and toddlers: They are as follows: (a) acquiring or modifying baby‐care equipment, (b) adapting the home environment, (c) accessing information and supports, (d) developing communication strategies to facilitate safety, and (e) receiving assistance from others. This study indicates that mothers with physical disabilities employ a variety of adaptive strategies during early motherhood. The findings from the study suggest the need for more availability of supports and equipment for mothers with physical disabilities as well as information for prospective mothers with disabilities. In addition, healthcare and social work professionals must receive training about adaptive parenting strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are well established, and breastfeeding is now widely practiced in the United States. Although increasing numbers of women with physical disabilities are having children, little information is available about breastfeeding practices among these women. Nonetheless, the children of women with physical disabilities should benefit from breastfeeding just as children of nondisabled mothers do. Research aim: This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding among women with physical disabilities. Methods: This study involved semistructured telephone interviews with a convenience sample of women (N = 25) with diverse physical disabilities from across the United States. All participants had given birth within the past 10 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Analyses found four broad themes indicating facilitators to breastfeeding: (a) adaptations and equipment, (b) use of breast pump, (c) physical assistance from others, and (d) peer support. We also found five broad themes suggesting barriers to breastfeeding: (a) lack of supports, (b) disability-related health considerations, (c) limited information, (d) difficulties with milk production, and (e) difficulties latching. Conclusion: The need for greater supports for women with physical disabilities who desire to breastfeed as well as information for women and their clinicians about facilitating breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]