POSTPARTUM MENTAL SUFFERING AND NURSING TEAM CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Postpartum mental distress is a significant public health problem impacting the emotional, physical, and social health of women during the postpartum period. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on postpartum mental distress and the care provided by the nursing team. This is an integrative literature review, conducted using the SCIELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases, including articles published between 2021 and 2025. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected for the research. The results indicated that factors such as lack of social support, socioeconomic vulnerability, history of mental disorders, and difficulties adapting to motherhood can contribute to the emergence of postpartum mental distress. Furthermore, it was identified that nursing plays a fundamental role in prevention, support, qualified listening, health education, and early detection of signs and symptoms. The importance of continuous monitoring of women throughout the pregnancy-postpartum cycle was also highlighted. It is concluded that nursing care plays an essential role in providing humane and comprehensive care to postpartum women, and that it is necessary to expand professional training and strengthen public policies focused on maternal mental health.