Women's experiences of parenting toddlers following postnatal depression

Objective: The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of women parenting toddlers and babies older than 6 months after taking part in a therapeutic support group for postnatal depression (PND). Method: Thematic analysis was conducted following individual semi-structured interviews conducted in 2014 with eight women whose children were aged between 6.5 months and 2.5 years. Results: Three overarching themes and six subthemes reflecting how PND can affect parenting experiences beyond the immediate postpartum period were identified: (1) parental self-perception; both positive: strength gained and unbroken bonds, and negative: high expectations, comparison to others and concerns about judgement; (2) parenting behaviour including difficulties regaining and managing control, and anger attributed to PND directed at siblings; and, (3) mixed feelings around partner support. Conclusion: PND can impact parenting of children into toddlerhood, including parenting of an older sibling even when PND was not experienced at their birth. The importance of support in enhancing parenting skills following PND was highlighted.