Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: We aimed to investigate the intervention effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with postpartum depression. Methods: The method of computer and manual keyword retrieval was used to search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library. Literature included in the study was assessed for quality and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Twelve articles were finally included in the study and the meta-analysis showed that 6 articles used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to compare MBIs with conventional therapy, and the statistical heterogeneity between the combined results was low (P=0.18, I2=32%). The level of depression in postpartum depression patients was lower in the MBIs group than in the conventional group MD=3.13, 95%CI (2.57, 3.70), P<0.00001. Based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the comparison between MBIs and conventional therapy had low statistical heterogeneity between the combined results (P=0.56, I2=0%). The level of depression in patients with postpartum depression who received MBIs was significantly lower than in the conventional care group MD=5.89, 95%CI (4.88, 6.91), P<0.00001. Subgroup analysis showed that the best intervention duration for MBIs for postpartum depression was within 4 weeks (SMD=-1.785), each session≦60 minutes (SMD=-1.435), and participants had to complete the best three times per week (SMD=-2.185). Conclusion: MBIs can alleviate depression in women, thereby facilitating their adjustment to new life. It is recommended to practice mindfulness meditation for 30 minutes per day.