Postpartum Depression In Mothers

Postpartum Depression in Mothers Childbirth is a period of various changes in mothers’ well-being, particularly in their psychological state. For example, 85% of women experience mood disorders and 20% suffer from postpartum depression (Cabrera and Shcub 1). Before the incidence of postpartum depression, women experience baby blues after a few hours of giving birth. Baby blues are defined as “ a feeling of sadness that some women have for a short period after they have had a baby” (“Baby Blues Definition and Synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary”). If these feelings of sadness persist for two weeks, they develop to postpartum depression. Because of its threatening symptoms and negative psychological, behavioural and social effects on mothers and

These symptoms evolve around the changes they feel towards their newborns and their abilities to take care of them. Psychological symptoms of postpartum depression include feelings of despair and sadness, “guilt or worthlessness”, suicidal thoughts and becoming passive in doing daily and pleasurable activities ("Beyond The "Baby Blues": Postpartum Depression Is Common And Treatable" 2). Due to their passivity and feelings of sadness, they become inattentive in doing their activities of daily living such as personal hygiene. They also feel incompetent of becoming good mothers because of their thoughts of harming their babies, themselves and other family members. Moreover, they manifest physical changes. They cry frequently and have feelings of “fatigue”, “change in appetite”, reduced concentration and sleep disturbance. ("Beyond The "Baby Blues": Postpartum Depression Is Common And Treatable" 2). Postpartum depression also affects their physical well-being such as tiredness and disruption of sleep, which may affect how they perform their maternal roles. Therefore, all these symptoms are considered to be menacing because they greatly influence mothers’ psychological and physical well-being, for which can result to negative consequences on

These consequences greatly influence their social lives. Robertson demonstrates that depressed mothers are at risk for isolation because they isolate themselves and avoid social settings (49). They develop lack of interest in social contact with others because of their feelings of fatigue and their thoughts of losing their previous selves, careers and relationships. Letourneau et al. add that depressed mothers demonstrate less affection and interaction towards their infants because of their feelings of incompetence and worthlessness, which result to lack of knowledge about infants’ growth and development (448). It shows that because of their doubts of becoming good mothers, they are more likely to demonstrate lack of care, communication and love towards their infants. For example, they do not feed, cuddle, stroke and calm their babies when they are crying. Therefore, it demonstrates that isolation and lack of affection towards their infants can be a threat for mothers in their social and interpersonal functioning. As a result, their children suffer its negative