The effect of birth memory on postpartum depression in mothers, sample of Kastamonu

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of birth memory of mothers with babies between 0-12 months on postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 307 mothers who met the research criteria among mothers with 0-12 months old babies in Kastamonu. Research datas were collected using Individual Description Form, Birth Memory and Recall Scale (DHSS), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Findings: It was determined that the mother's Birth Memory and Recall Scale total score average was 82.73±20.00, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale total score average was 7.44±5.42 and 16.0% had postpartum depression risk. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the total mean scores of the Mothers' Birth Memory and Recall Scale and the risk status of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and also mothers with depression risk had high memory scores and negative memory. Results: It was determined that 16.0% of the mothers experienced postpartum depression, mothers with postpartum depression risk had higher Birth Memory and Recall Scale scores, and this situation had a weak effect on depression. Keywords: birth memory, birth memories, recall, postpartum depression