THE IMPACT OF SUPPORT NETWORKS IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD: AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR INFLUENCE ON WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the influence of support networks on the mental health of women in the postpartum period. The methodology used was an integrative literature review, with a search for articles in the PubMed, SciELO, and VHL databases, published between 2014 and 2024. Seven studies with different methodological designs were included, most of which were qualitative. The results showed that the presence of family, social, institutional or community support networks acts as a protective factor for maternal mental health, significantly reducing the risks of depression, anxiety and other psychic disorders in the puerperium. On the other hand, the absence or fragility of these networks is associated with an increase in negative emotional symptoms and difficulty in establishing the mother-baby bond. The evidence also indicates that the support offered by health professionals, combined with humanized and intersectoral public policies, contributes to a more effective and comprehensive care for women in the postpartum period. It is concluded that the strengthening of support networks is essential for the promotion of the psychological and emotional well-being of the puerperal woman, and it is necessary to invest in strategies that expand access to these resources, especially in contexts of social vulnerability.