Functions of support group communication for women with postpartum depression: How support groups silence and encourage voices of motherhood

This phenomenological study sought to determine how social support communication compares between types of support groups for women with postpartum depression (PPD). Participants were 27 women who had given birth. Participants attended one of three types of support groups: a PPD support group, a local mothers' group, or a working moms' group. Findings indicate that there are differences in the way social support functions between these groups; however, all participants indicated attending group support as a means of sharing with and obtaining information from similar others. For women with PPD, condition-specific support groups were reported to be most helpful. These support groups encourage disclosure, provide contact with similar others, and pulls the condition away from the margins. Findings further indicate that, despite being beneficial for new mothers, women with PPD may receive all the benefits of social support groups only while attending condition-specific groups.