Effects of Postpartum Depression on Child Bearing and Rearing Family Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major event occurring in eight to fifteen percent of the woman population after delivering their child (Glavin, Smith, Sørum & Ellefsen, 2010). The symptoms and causes of PPD are similar to depression symptoms in other periods of life (Glavin et al., 2010). These symptoms may include feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, sleep changes, anger or irritability, loss of energy, self-loathing, reckless behavior and concentration problems. These symptoms may lead to other factors that are detrimental to the child bearing and rearing family. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effects of PPD in terms of its significance to the health of the family. The scope of this paper will discuss the relation of PPD on child development, children-parent attachment and marital dysfunction. Then, two determinants of health and their relevance to the health issue and, strategies that could be used to promote the health of the family will be discussed. Many factors concerning PPD correlates to child development, two interconnected factors mainly concerning PPD and child development are caregiving and attachment. First, PPD is a health concern for child rearing family because it affects child development adversely. Depressive symptoms such as sadness, pessimism and irritability are the primary negative factors affecting child care. As stated by Stein, Malmberg, Sylva, Barnes & Leach (2008), PPD’s adverse effects to child development are primarily due to poor care giving or negligence. In fact, it is clinically proven that, “children of depressed mothers have increased levels of internalizing and ... ... middle of paper ... ...or women with postpartum depression. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(6), 1317-1327. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05263.x Barnes, D. (2006). POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: ITS IMPACT ON COUPLES AND MARITAL SATISFACTION. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 25(3), 25-42. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Gao, W., Paterson, J., Abbott, M., Carter, S., & Iusitini, L. (2007). Maternal mental health and child behaviour problems at 2 years: findings from the Pacific Islands Families Study. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 41(11), 885-895. doi:10.1080/00048670701634929 Stein, A. A., Malmberg, L. E., Sylva, K. K., Barnes, J. J., & Leach, P. P. (2008). The influence of maternal depression, caregiving, and socioeconomic status in the post-natal year on children's language development. Child: Care, Health & Development, 34(5), 603-612. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00837.x
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After giving birth, women will have hormonal oscillations (Rosequist). In the meanwhile, their bodies are getting back to their normal state, however if that “blues” does not go away, it can evolve in a deep depression. As she recalls, saying: “And yet I cannot be with him, it make me so nervous”(Gilman), it is obvious that Post-Partum depression is the cause of her poor attachment with the child; the mother can be hazardous to the baby; mood swing occur, and in extremes circumstances, about 1 in 1,000, it can bring psychotic indications (Hilts). If this condition if left untreated, it can cause serious psychological and physical damages. Treatment would include anti-depressants and therapy. This can also trigger other types of mental
Knowing the symptoms of postpartum depression is critical for a young mother's discovering that she may have the depress...
Pregnancies are often correlated with the assumption that it will bring happiness to the household and ignite feelings of love between the couple. What remains invisible is how the new responsibilities of caring and communicating with the baby affects the mother; and thus, many women experience a temporary clinical depression after giving birth which is called postpartum depression (commonly known as postnatal depression) (Aktaş & Terzioğlu, 2013).
Postpartum depression is indeed a major psychological disorder that can affect the relationship between mother and baby. At this time, the cause of postpartum depression is unidentified, although several factors experienced during pregnancy can contribute to this disorder. Fluctuating hormone levels have been traditionally blamed for the onset of postpartum depression. Jennifer Marie Camp (2013), a registered nurse with a personal history of postpartum depression, states in the Intentional Journal of Childbirth Education that “current research demonstrates that PPD may be a compilation of numerous stressors encountered by the family, including biochemical, genetic, psychosocial factors and everyday life stress” (Camp, 2013, p. 1). A previous history of depression, depression during pregnancy, financial difficulties, a dif...
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Early identification is key in the treatment of PPD. Many families may feel ashamed or embarrassed by their feelings and want to conceal them. This is dangerous because PPD can involve thoughts of harm or neglect to the baby. These thoughts can be prevented with early detection from warning signs. Mothers that experience PPD are often at a higher risk for suicide due to negative thoughts and feelings that are untreated. PPD has been treated with cognitive therapies, anti-depressants, and psychotherapy, but a large aspect of aid when bringing home a newborn while experiencing PPD is support. Education before the birth of th...
Parent and dedicated caregivers can affect positively or negatively the child physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Because good parenting also help protect the brain from potential damage by helping in the regulation of excessive and inadequate stress-hormone exposure (Berk, 2010). Additionally a good mental health in a developing child is a result of the quality of care received fro...
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Studies show that, “A low level of paternal involvement in infant care was significantly associated with PPD” (Sejourne, Vaslot, Beaume, Goutaudier and Chabrol). This shows that having a husband and father home with the baby and wife can reduce anxiety, for the family and most importantly the mother. After the birth the mother is undoubtedly exhausted. Having her husband around for physical and mental support can relieve her PPD. Men who take off for paternity leave and are home with their wife and baby can positively impact the child and the mother’s depression.
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My mother was diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD), also referred to as postnatal depression. This is a type of clinical depression which can affect women after childbirth. The cause of PPD is not well understood but hormonal changes, genetics, and major life event have been hypothesized as potential causes. Maternal depression has been shown to influence mothers’ interaction with her child, therefore the doctor thought it was necessary for further treatment. Many women recover with treatment such as a support group, counseling, or