148: Maternal Mental Health of Asian Indian Mothers - a podcast by Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D.

We are taking a closer look at the cultural aspects of maternal mental health for Asian Indian mothers. There are barriers to finding and receiving mental health care that bear similarites to many Asian cultures. We also hear how culture impacts the motherhood experience. How can we best support them and to seek the help that’s available to them? We’re covering these topics and more in today’s show.
Dr. Deepika Goyal is a Professor of Nursing at San Jose State University and a family nurse practitioner who is passionate about maternal mental health, specifically for women of Asian Indian descent. Dr. Goyal’s research adds to the postpartum mental health narrative regarding Asian American women’s experiences, mental health help-seeking behavior, and preferred management of postpartum depression. Her research findings provide clinicians with the information they need to provide culturally-informed care to promote optimal maternal-child well-being outcomes.Show Highlights:

Goyal’s research from 2001-2002 on postpartum depression, regarding sleep disturbances, infant temperament, marital satisfaction, and social support---all with American women of Indian descentMore than half of the women who responded to Deepika’s survey said they had experienced depressive symptoms

Mental illness and depressive symptoms are very stigmatized in Asian culturesThe range of symptoms are anxiety, “baby blues,” postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis; there are more mainstream policies and awareness now, but the changes haven’t occurred as quickly in Asian cultures

Asian women have a fear of someone in their family finding out, bringing shame to the family, and being seen as a weak woman----if they report postpartum depressive symptomsThe most concerning piece Deepika found was that the women wouldn’t seek help until it was a last resort, and they are very much against medications to help their symptoms

Why mental health care is seen as a personal failureWhy women are beginning to be more open in seeking help, especially those who have been in the US longer

The importance of at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep for a new mom, and the impact on mental healthSome of the postpartum cultural practices of Asian American women:

A female relative comes to stay with the new family for 3-4 months30-40 days of rest at home after birth, with no household duties or leaving the house

Herbs are used that improve breast milk production and healing, in addition to special foods rich in fats and healing propertiesThe importance of equipping women DURING pregnancy with information about symptoms and how to know when to seek help when symptoms become more severe

Similarities in cultural practices for women from India, China, Korea, and VietnamWhat we can do to best support Asian American women in the postpartum

How a therapist can understand and best offer help to these womenHow mom’s health can benefit the baby’s health, and mother-baby bond, and the child’s cognitive and language development

What Deepika wants to do in the future with non-pharmacologic interventions, especially in the area of sleepResources:
Postpartum Support InternationalDeepika Goyal
Selected Works of Dr. Goyal can be found HERE*****Today's podcast is brought to you by Audible - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 days free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/momandmind
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