Gaining perspective: Peer mentors’ experiences with an intervention project for mothers with postpartum depression

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of peer mentor volunteers who participated in an intervention project, Mothers OfferingMentorship and Support (MOMS), for new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD). A descriptive phenomenological approachwas used to capture the meaning and common features of their experiences. Six of the peer mentors who participated inthe MOMS study participated in the current study. Overall, the peer mentors had a positive experience. They felt helpful andderived satisfaction from providing support to other mothers. The general structure of the peer mentoring experience was one ofgaining perspective. Gaining perspective included themes of structuring a common connection, perceived impact on moms andmentors, understanding challenges, and informing future peer mentor programs. Both peer mentors and moms saw the benefitof having PPD support, however, some of the moms had needs that exceeded the scope of the peer mentors’ roles highlightingthe need for access to additional resources.