Conflicting Cultural Perspectives: Meanings and Experiences of Postnatal Depression Among Women in Indian Communities

Abstract

A woman’s cultural and social context affects her experience of postnatal depression. In this literature review, the authors explore questions regarding the normal and a bnormal postnatal experiences of Indian women with consideration to cross cultural perspectives. Although postnatal distress or sadness is recognised among many cultures, it is constructed as a transient state in some cultures and as an illness in others. A major challenge for health care providers in Western countries like the UK and Australia is to develop culturally sensitive approaches to postnatal care for migrant mothers.