Systematic Review of Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Reducing Anxiety in the Postpartum Period

Maternal anxiety can adversely impact the emotional, psychological, and social development of infants, making it essential to explore strategies for reducing anxiety. This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in alleviating postpartum anxiety. A literature search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Medline identified 3,503 articles, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. Study quality and bias were assessed using CASP and RoB 2 tools. The therapies examined included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aromatherapy, massage, and music therapy. CBT was the most frequently studied and effective intervention, appearing in four studies with strong significance in reducing anxiety levels. Four studies focused on non-pharmacological therapies directly administered to postpartum women, demonstrating promising outcomes. However, further analysis is required to assess the impact of social support in alleviating postpartum anxiety. In conclusion, therapies like CBT, aromatherapy, massage, and music have shown effectiveness in reducing postpartum anxiety. Future research should emphasize integrating social support systems to enhance these interventions.