The Interplay of Traumatic Childbirth, Marital Support, and Mental Health Outcomes in Nursing Mothers in Lagos

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) remains a major but under-recognised public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Traumatic childbirth experiences and poor marital support have been identified as psychosocial factors influencing maternal mental health. Objective: To examine the interplay of traumatic childbirth experiences, marital support, and mental health outcomes among nursing mothers in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 nursing mothers attending postnatal clinics in selected health centres within Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Respondents were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire which incorporated the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and Pearson's correlation, were used to analyse the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The prevalence of probable postpartum depression was 27.5%. A significant relationship was found between traumatic childbirth and postpartum depression (χ² = 8.62, p < 0.01), and between marital support and postpartum depression (χ² = 11.43, p < 0.01). Pearson's correlation showed a positive relationship between traumatic childbirth and depressive symptoms (r = 0.411, p < 0.01), and a negative correlation between marital support and depression (r = −0.352, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Traumatic childbirth significantly increases the risk of postpartum depression, while strong marital support mitigates depressive symptoms among nursing mothers. Integrating psychosocial counselling, spousal involvement, and trauma-informed maternity care into postnatal services is recommended to promote maternal mental health.