LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Postpartum Depression: Babies
built 657 days ago
Numerous studies support the correlation between postpartum depression and lack of social support or other childcare stressors. Mothers with postpartum depression ... reduce their investment in their new offspring. They commonly have thoughts of harming their children, exhibit fewer positive emotions and more negative emotions toward them, are less responsive and less sensitive to infant cues, less emotionally available, have a less successful maternal role attainment, and have infants that are less securely attached (Beck 1995, 1996b; Cohn et al. 1990, 1991; Field et al. 1985; Fowles 1996; Hoffman and Drotar 1991; Jennings et al. 1999; Murray 1991; Murray and Cooper 1996). In other words, most mothers with PPD are suffering some kind of cost, like inadequate social support, and consequently are mothering less. PPD may be an adaptation that, via negative emotions, informs mothers that they cannot "afford" the new baby and that motivates them to reduce or eliminate investment in offspring. It may also help them negotiate greater levels of investment from others.
Source:
Postpartum depression -- This is a far more serious condition than postpartum blues, affecting about one in 10 new mothers. If you've had postpartum depression before, your risk increases 50 to 80%. You may experience alternating "highs" and "lows," frequent crying, irritability and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt, anxiety and inability to care for your baby or yourself. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear within days of the delivery or gradually, even up to a year later. Although symptoms can last from several weeks up to a year, treatment with psychotherapy or antidepressants is very effective.
Source:
The mildest and most frequent form of postpartum depression is commonly referred to as the "Baby Blues" and is occurs in 40 to 85 percent of deliveries. Symptoms arise spontaneously during the first 10 days postpartum, and tend to peak around 3 to 5 days. Although symptoms are distressing, they are transient and are resolved within 24 to 72 hours. Typical symptoms are depressed mood, anxiety, excessive worry, irritability, confusion, crying spells, sleep and appetite disturbances and lack of feeling for the baby.
Source:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many mothers can have after having a baby. PPD can be treated with medication and counseling. Talk with your health care provider right away if you think you have PPD.
Source:
Counselling for both you and your partner.6 A form of counselling called cognitive-behavioural therapy has proven to be as effective as antidepressant medicine for milder postpartum depression.8 Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps you take charge of the way you think and feel. Interpersonal counselling is ... a good treatment choice for postpartum depression. (You may find a counsellor who offers both cognitive-behavioural therapy and interpersonal counselling.)8, 9 Interpersonal counselling focuses on relationships and the personal changes that come with having a new baby. It gives you emotional support and helps with problem-solving and goal-setting. For your partner, counselling may help with the demands of having a new baby. It can also help your partner support you.
Source:
Postpartum depression is not the same as the “postpartum blues.” This condition is more common and less serious. It usually ends by the tenth day after the baby is born. For more information, see the article on the postpartum blues.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Babies