MENTAL HEALTH OF WOMEN IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD: CHALLENGES AND CARE STRATEGIES IN NURSING

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent stages marked by intense physical, emotional, and social transformations, making women more vulnerable to the development of mental disorders, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, baby blues, and other psychic manifestations. In this context, nursing plays a central role in the early identification of symptoms, continuous monitoring, and the implementation of care strategies that promote mental health and maternal well-being. Objective: To analyze the main challenges faced by nursing in providing mental health care to women in the postpartum period. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO and LILACS databases, using the descriptors mental health, postpartum, and nursing, associated by the Boolean operator AND. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, available in full in Portuguese or a foreign language, were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies comprised the final sample, which were analyzed and discussed according to their findings. Results and discussion: Studies have shown that mental disorders in the postpartum period have a high prevalence and a significant impact on maternal quality of life, the mother-baby bond, and the family environment. Factors such as hormonal changes, insecurity, fear, anxiety, lack of a support network, and absence of adequate guidance contribute to the worsening of emotional suffering. The literature highlights challenges faced by nursing, such as the early identification of signs of mental illness, the need for professional training, barriers in communication with postpartum women, and the insufficiency of mental health support policies. Conversely, strategies such as humanized care, perinatal mental health counseling, health education, and professional qualification have proven effective in reducing depressive symptoms, improving self-efficacy, and strengthening the maternal bond. Conclusion: The review demonstrated that nursing plays an essential role in promoting the mental health of women in the postpartum period, although it faces structural, care, and training challenges. Continuous training, the adoption of humanized practices, and the strengthening of support networks are fundamental to improving care and preventing emotional distress. The findings reinforce the importance of expanding studies and investing in public policies that value comprehensive care for women during the pregnancy and postpartum period.