Did you know that untreated postpartum depression and anxiety can not only impact you but also your baby and children?
That is why it is so important to recognize and seek help if you have postpartum depression or anxiety.
Let’s talk about this today.
True!
Postpartum depression affects 20% of all mom’s whereas gestational diabetes occurs in only 8% of all moms.
All women get screened for gestational diabetes and yet all moms may not get screened for postpartum depression. Both can impact your baby.
Remember it is not your fault if you experience postpartum depression or anxiety. You are not a failure and are still a good mom!
Think of postpartum depression and anxiety as a thief. How?
Well…your newborn is highly sensitive to the environment and the quality of care given to them. You may notice that your newborn turns their heads and responds to familiar faces and voices. Later, your baby grows to be able to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a few words as toddlers.
These developments happen through the interactions and lively experiences created by you (and other caregivers), using both verbal and nonverbal communications with your child in a responsive and meaningful way throughout your day.
Postpartum depression and anxiety can rob you and your child of this.
If you are not in your optimal mental health, it may be difficult to have these positive interactions.
True.
Postpartum depression has been associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment for babies. This means studies noticed some small decrease in executive functioning, intelligence, and language development in children whose moms had postpartum depression compared to children whose moms did not have postpartum depression.
Unrecognized and untreated depression can have more of an affect on your baby.
Longer episodes of maternal postpartum depression appear to be more strongly associated with poorer cognitive development versus shorter episodes.
It is important to remove the stigma associated with postpartum depression and seek support if you are unsure.
Many moms may think that sadness is the main symptom of postpartum depression. Remember that 2 out of 3 moms with postpartum depression experience anxiety as their main symptom. Irritability to their partner and others can also be a symptom.
Bottom line is if you don’t know you may have postpartum depression it can be left to continue well after your baby’s 1st birthday.
Long lasting depression in moms after the 1st year after pregnancy further delays cognitive development in children.
It is important to be aware of your mental health just as you may be with your physical health. If you are unsure, take an easy screening test for postpartum depression.
All of the above.
Children of mothers who suffered from postpartum depression are twice as likely than children of nondepressed mothers to show some behavioral problems such as temper tantrums, hyperactivity, sleep and eating difficulties and emotional dysregulation.
Emotional dysregulation means that your child is not able to regulate their feelings well - anger, anxiety, sadness, or other. This can result in overblown, extremely emotional reactions to small setbacks or challenges.
True! Maternal mental health can have a big impact on mother–baby bonding.
When you are in a state of good mental health you are able to create spaces for your infant and toddler that will support their growth and development.
If you are suffering from postpartum depression, you are more likely to:
Express negative attitudes about your baby and to view them as more demanding or difficult.
Have a tougher time engaging with your baby (being either more withdrawn or inappropriately intrusive).
Have negative facial interactions.
Discontinue breastfeeding earlier than desired.
Yes.
Postpartum depression is associated with depression or anxiety in the child, starting in early childhood and persisting into young adulthood.
Okay… after reading some of this you might be feeling like your kids are doomed if you suffer from postpartum depression.
WRONG!
Children are resilient and the best thing you can do is recognize and seek treatment as soon as possible.
You are not a failure!
You are a great mom; you just need to get care for your mental health!
Here are three factors that can moderate the risk for your children.
Partner’s health and involvement with the child.
Course and timing of the mother's depression.
Characteristics of the child.
If you feel depressed, worried or mentally stressed or overwhelmed, talk to a healthcare provider, counselor, or therapist, and get help right away. Let treatment start as soon as possible, so you can feel better in time.
Finding a support group where you can share your concerns with other mothers who know what you're going through also can help. Activities like yoga, exercise, and meditation are great too.
Phew you did it! Good mental health is necessary for your wellbeing and your child’s.
Good news is that postpartum depression or anxiety is treatable! You are not alone in this! Remember 1 out of 5 women suffer from this.
Don’t suffer in silence...we are here for you to share in your concerns!
MaternalWell text support is here for you for any general questions! For more specific concerns and therapies, reach out to our licensed therapists specializing in pregnancy and postpartum mental health or to your healthcare provider.
