Effect of Postpartum Mood Education on Maternity Blues and Postpartum Depression in Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

<b>Aim:</b> This study aimed to examine the effect of postpartum mood education on maternity blues and postpartum depression among primiparous mothers. <b>Design:</b> Randomized controlled trial. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 146 primiparous women were randomly assigned to intervention (education) or control groups. Data were collected using the Maternity Blues Scale (MBS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). <b>Results:</b> The intervention and control groups were largely comparable in sociodemographic characteristics; however, significant differences were observed in education level and employment status. No significant differences were found between groups in MBS and EPDS mean item scores (p > 0.05). However, mean scores of the MBS responsibility and socioeconomic subdimensions were lower in the education group (p < 0.05), while the Breastfeeding subdimension score was higher (p < 0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Postpartum mood education did not influence overall maternity blues at one week or postpartum depression at 6 weeks. Nevertheless, improvements in subdimensions suggest that education may reduce responsibility and socioeconomic stress while enhancing breastfeeding experiences. From a holistic nursing perspective, these findings indicate that postpartum mood education may contribute to person-centered care. Grounded in Watson's Human Caring Theory, the study highlights the potential of integrating mood education into discharge practices to advance holistic nursing practice.