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The mother plays the most important role in the development of the newborn and infant. For this part, she must have enough energy and interest in the baby, so as to face the challenge of caring for it. Many women experience emotional symptoms during postpartum, at four to six weeks after giving birth. Most commonly, they experience a transient postnatal depression (“baby blues”), which occurs two or three days after birth and is characterized by an emotional state of sadness, irritability and crying for no reason. It is believed that this is the result of rapid changes in hormonal levels, as well as of the stress related to the birth and to the responsibilities of motherhood. If these symptoms do not go away after two weeks, they could represent the onset of major postpartum depression. Postnatal depression, also called postpartum depression, is less frequent (about 10-15 % of mothers), but more severe and prolonged than the transient postnatal depression. Its main symptoms are: • A feeling of sadness most of the time • anxiety • fatigue, even when one has had enough sleep • difficulty concentrating • the inability to enjoy life, to look ahead • feelings of hopelessness, failure and guilt • doubts and concerns about the ability to care for the baby • the fear of hurting the child • on occasion, suicidal thoughts Also, physical symptoms can occur (such as insomnia or drowsiness, a poor appetite or an excessive one, low sexual desire, and diffused pain). Postpartum depression can negatively impact the child A recent study has shown that postpartum depression not only affects the mother's ability to care for her children, but it can also negatively influence a daughter's ability to provide maternal care to her own future offspring. Scientist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University used female rats to examine behavioral and physiological changes in mothers exposed to chronic social stress early in life, as a model for postpartum depression and anxiety. “The endocrine and behavioral data are consistent with what has been reported in studies of depressed human mothers. The potential with this animal model is that it can be used to study new preventive measures and treatments for postpartum depression and anxiety, and the adverse effects of these disorders on offspring”, stated Benjamin C. Nephew, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at TCSVM and principal investigator of the study. The role of family and friends It is recommended that family members and friends know that postpartum depression is a clinical condition that must be taken seriously. Their encouragement and support can be very helpful in the recovery process. It is important that the mother receives reassurance that the depression is not her fault and that it is not a sign of weakness. If a depressed mother is afraid to be alone with the child, her family members and friends can take turns in order to make sure that someone is always with the mother. It can be of great help if the household tasks are taken over by another person – but only if the mother agrees with this. Fathers can also go through depression after the birth of a child and offering them support during this period is just as important, both for their sake and for that of the whole family. Author Bio: Health Globe is a health tips and advice blog. You can find the best health resources at health-globe.com. It is the best platform for health readers.
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