Relaxation training and expectation in the treatment of postpartum distress.

Examined the effectiveness of relaxation training in reducing postpartum distress for 48 18–35 yr old 1st-time mothers-to-be via a treatment-component strategy. Ss had completed routine childbirth education classes in which they had received labor-specific relaxation training. They were then randomly assigned to either additional relaxation training, extended relaxation training that also emphasized likely postpartum stressors, exposure only to postpartum stressors, or a control discussion of their history. The Beck Depression Inventory and other measures were assessed 1 mo prior to the child's birth, daily for 9 days following the birth, and 1 mo after birth. Compared with nonrelaxation conditions, both relaxation treatments reduced reported postpartal distress. The 2 conditions involving exposure to postpartum stressors reduced the degree of elation reported postpartally. It is concluded that relaxation techniques can be extended within childbirth preparation programs to assuage postpartum distress and possibly enhance the mother–child relationship. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)