Turgoose Molly, Sellwood William, Chamberlain Elizabeth, Murray Craig D
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK.
J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2024 Sep 18:1-19. doi: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2405122.
Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) refer to subclinical experiences consistent with psychosis that may include hearing, feeling or seeing things that others cannot, or experiencing unusual beliefs. These experiences appear to be more common during the perinatal period. There appear to be barriers which make it difficult for midwives to support mothers with mental health difficulties. However, it is important that midwives can provide support with PLEs.
This study aimed to explore UK midwives' perspectives and perceptions relating to mothers' psychotic-like experiences in the perinatal period.
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with ten midwives recruited online was conducted. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Four themes were developed: (1) Identifying psychotic-like experiences would be complicated; (2) Psychotic-like experiences can feel overwhelming for women and midwives; (3) This is my responsibility: I'll do what I can to support women even if it's hard; and (4) The system feels unsafe and insecure which makes the anticipated role in supporting psychotic-like experiences harder.
Midwives described their motivation to support mothers with PLEs but articulated many factors that made this difficult. The results emphasise the importance of training and guidance for midwives to support them being able to offer support and information to mothers. The findings also highlight the importance of systemic safety for midwives alongside support through supervision and reflective practice.
