Integrative Approaches to Postpartum Depression: Evidence-Based Practices and Emerging Innovations

Abstract Postpartum depression (PPD), a common mood disorder that affects women after childbirth, often leads to heightened anxiety and adverse effects on both families and newborns. Pelvic floor dysfunction and social factors, such as the hospital environment and limited social support, contribute to PPD. Despite its seriousness, PPD is often undiagnosed and underappreciated. This study aimed to encapsulate the existing research on rehabilitation approaches for PPD by analyzing the research on the rapid recovery of PPD by various researchers. There are numerous risk factors for PPD, including young maternal age, caesarean delivery, premature birth, and inadequate health systems. However, factors such as insufficient family support and marital changes have a significant impact. Various interventions, such as proper counselling and supportive environments provided by friends and family, have been employed to alleviate anxiety and depression in new mothers. However, very little attention has been paid to the negative impact of PPD on neural activity. The advancements in neuroscience, particularly the utilization of NIRS and EEG techniques in conjunction with virtual reality for rehabilitation, offer potential avenues for future research.