ºìÐÓÊÓƵ

Topic

Impact of Community on the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Health of Birthing Parents in Canada

School of Child and Youth Care

Date & location

• Friday, November 22, 2024
• 1:00 P.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Jessica Ball, School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Christine Ou, School of Nursing, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Joyce O’Mahony, School of Nursing, Thompson Rivers University

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Craig Brown, Division of Medical Sciences, UVic

Abstract

Background: The growing rate of postpartum depression in Canada, and the serious implications of this mood disorder, calls for a closer examination of perinatal mental health. To date, most studies have been conducted from a medical perspective and have focused on the management of perinatal mood disorders. Yet there has been little in the way of mental health promotion during the postpartum period, a time when many parents struggle with distressing feelings. Community engagement has been linked to mental health promotion.

Research Aim: Identify the facets of community engagement that birthing parents find to be supportive of their mental health postpartum through qualitative interviews.

Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews on Zoom. Ten birthing parents residing in Canada described their engagement with community with regards to physical spaces, events, and interactions during the postpartum period, and their impacts on mental health. The Networked Model of Ecological Systems Theory was utilized to map out relationships between birthing parents and their communities. Themes were derived through Reflexive Thematic Analysis using Dedoose software.

Findings: Birthing parents favored spaces, events, and interactions that were accessible (i.e., physically accessible, affordable, flexible, and safe). They regarded these spaces, events, and interactions as opportunities to “get out” (i.e., leave one’s place of residence with their infants) and to access psychological, emotional, and informative support from peers (i.e., other birthing parents) in the community. Birthing parents also described individualized and responsive community services that they found supportive of their mental health postpartum.

Conclusion: Findings from this sample suggest that engagement with community, particularly outdoors and in settings with flexible accessibility, is related to positive mental health during the postpartum period. Further studies pertaining to this topic are recommended. Social and urban planners, government, and practitioners are encouraged to consider policies and initiatives that bring community engagement more clearly into focus in efforts to promote the postpartum mental health of local birthing parents and their families.