The incidence of postnatal depression in a rural area and the needs of affected women.

The Gippsland Maternal and Child Health Service Research Group conducted a survey to investigate the incidence of postnatal depression in women with three months old infants who were born in the Gippsland region. As well, the mothers were asked how they could have been better supported in the five to 13 weeks after their babies were born. The respondents' Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores indicated that 58% of women had experienced depression. These women expressed a need and a preference for home based support, i.e. occasional child care, extended home help, greater access to telephone counselling and home visits by maternal and child health nurses and for education of their infants' fathers. On the basis of the study and their experiences, the Research Group makes recommendations about how the needs of women with postnatal depression may be better met.