In the development and growth of the newborn or infant, the mother plays a crucial role. In order to be successful in this role, the mother must have the energy and the interest for the baby – important link!
Many women feel emotional symptoms between four and six weeks after childbirth. Most women experience a temporary postnatal depression (the “baby’s blues”) that occurs between two and three weeks after childbirth. This is marked by a state of sadness and irritability.
According to experts, this could be due to rapid hormonal changes as well as stress caused by the birth and motherhood’s responsibilities. These symptoms could indicate major postpartum anxiety if they do not disappear after two week.
Postnatal depression is also known as postpartum depression. Although it occurs less frequently (about 10-15% of all mothers), the condition is more severe, and lasts longer, than transient or temporary postnatal depression. Its main symptom is:
A general feeling of sadness. Anxiety fatigue even after enough sleep. Inability to enjoy the present and look forward. Feelings like failure and guilt. Doubts and concerns regarding the ability to care properly for the baby. On occasion, thoughts of suicide.
Other physical symptoms include insomnia, drowsiness or a lack of appetite (or an excess), low sexual desire or diffused discomfort.
Postpartum depressive disorder can negatively affect the child
A recent study showed that postpartum Depression can not only negatively affect a mother’s ability care for their children, but also negatively impact the daughter’s future ability to provide maternal support to her own offspring. Scientists at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine examined the behavioral and physiologic changes in mothers exposed early to chronic social anxiety.
“The endocrine, behavioral and pharmacological data are consistent” with studies that have been conducted on depressed women. The animal model could be used to investigate new preventive and therapeutic measures for postpartum depressive and anxiety disorders, as well the adverse effects of such disorders on the offspring, according to Benjamin C. Nephew Ph.D. assistant professor at TCSVM’s Department of Biomedical Sciences and principal investigator of this study.
What role do family members and friends play?
Family and friends need to be aware of the fact that postpartum mood disorder is a condition that needs to be taken seriously. Their encouragement and their support can be extremely helpful in the healing process. It is crucial that the mother be reassured that the depression was not her fault and it wasn’t a sign or weakness.
When a mother feels depressed and is afraid of being alone with a child, friends and family can rotate to ensure she is never alone. This can be a great idea if someone takes over household duties, but only if your mother is on board. The fathers may also experience depression after the birth and it is vital to offer them support, for both their sake and that of the family.