Post Natal Depression

How does it affect you?

Postnatal depression can be serious and if left untreated, can last longer than a year. A new birth is a big event and obviously brings great change to those involved. Sometimes even though a child is welcome, it can be hard to adjust to those changes. Support for new mothers can be lacking because relatives often live far away and friends may not be immediate neighbours. Sometimes, when your friends and family are with you, you may find that their expectations about how you should be doing things are not necessarily the same as yours. Alternatively, your feelings may not be as intense as you expect them to be immediately after birth - for some women, it can take some time before the feelings of love for your new baby develop. Mothers suffering from post natal depression may feel isolated or find bonding with their new child difficult and worry that they will never be able to achieve this. This can cause a sense of guilt, resentment or difficulties with other family members (Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 2009).

How does postnatal depression affect your child?

Recent studies have associated postnatal depression with adverse effects on children’s later emotional & behavioural development (Oxford University, 2007). I believe the mother child connection is of paramount importance as this relationship is the first one a child experiences, and provides the base on which all other relationships are built. Therefore help at this stage can significantly benefit both mother and baby.

If you are concerned about or have experienced depression or Post Natal Depression in the past, what steps can you take?

Studies show that having an effective support network can be very beneficial. Whether it’s partner, family, friends or organisations. For example Joining a local support network prior to the birth of your baby can be a positive move. A mother and toddlers group may offer exactly the support and shared experience that you need after the birth. You could try something like the National Childbirth Trust or NetMums

If you regularly exercise and your doctor/ midwife agrees, continue either during and/ or after pregnancy. You may have to alter the form of exercise you do or the intensity, but for example if you practice yoga, there are special pregnancy classes you can attend. Something as simple as going for a walk in a park can help reduce stress levels and produce feel good endorphins.

Practice EFT, Self Hypnosis or other relaxation techniques regularly, preferably prior to, during and after the birth. Practicing these techniques can make it easier to relax after the birth and will be a powerful aid to de-stressing. We are far more able to cope with stress if we have a tool or method to help us relax.

It is important that you have time for you.