The lived experiences of African American women with postpartum depression: a critical hermeneutic study

The purpose of this critical hermeneutic study was to examine the lived experiences of African American women with postpartum depression (PPD). The specific aims of the study were to 1) describe the lived experiences of African American women with PPD in the context of society, 2) describe African American women’s background meanings and concerns surrounding their experiences with PPD, and 3) examine the impact of familial and otherwise significant relationships in providing social support to African American women with PPD. The paucity of information surrounding African American women with PPD and lack of a critical theory framework supported the need for this study.