MENTAL HEALTH OF POSTPARTUM WOMEN AND THE ROLE OF NURSING CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Mental health is a complex and multifactorial dimension of human well-being, influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. During the postpartum period—the period that begins after childbirth—women experience intense physical and emotional changes that can trigger psychological disorders such as baby blues, depression, and postpartum psychosis. Despite the relevance of the topic, there is still a scarcity of adequate approaches to the mental health of postpartum women, especially regarding the role of nursing, as care remains focused on the newborn, neglecting the emotional support of the mother. This study aims to understand the role of nursing care in promoting the mental health of postpartum women. This is an integrative literature review, a method that gathers and critically analyzes scientific studies on a given phenomenon, allowing for a broad understanding of existing knowledge. Articles available in the SciELO, BVS, and PubMed databases, published between 2001 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, were included. The research followed the steps proposed by Souza, Silva, and Carvalho (2008), encompassing the elaboration of the guiding question, selection of studies, data collection and critical analysis, and presentation of a synthesis of the results. The studies highlight the lack of a systematic and humanized approach in mental health care for postpartum women, as well as the insufficient technical and emotional preparation of many professionals to deal with this phase. The importance of active listening, welcoming, and early detection of signs of psychological distress is emphasized. Nurses, due to their direct contact with women, play an essential role in identifying mental health changes and providing appropriate referrals, and should be continuously trained for qualified and empathetic care. Integration between levels of care and strengthening mental health training are fundamental to ensuring comprehensive and humanized care. The nurse's role is essential for promoting the mental health of postpartum women, fostering emotional well-being and the mother-baby bond. It is necessary to expand professional training and structure services that offer accessible psychological support, promoting a healthier and more balanced motherhood.