POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN MOTHERS OF NEWBORNS WITH PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The diagnosis of a pathological condition in the neonate causes emotional distress in mothers, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and impaired maternal bonding. In this context, nursing plays a key role in the early identification of these signs and in providing humanized care. Objective: To describe the role of the nursing team in identifying and caring for maternal emotional distress in the context of neonatal illness. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. It was conducted through searches for articles in the LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed databases published between 2017 and 2025. Results and Discussions: The studies show a high prevalence of anxiety and depression among mothers of ill neonates. Nursing contributes to early identification through welcoming care and effective communication; however, there is a lack of adequate training and specific protocols. Conclusion: It is essential to qualify the nursing team and strengthen humanized practices to improve the identification of maternal distress and the experience during neonatal hospitalization.