The mother has the greatest influence on the growth of the infant. This part requires that she be energetic and interested in caring for her baby. Read here?

Many women will experience emotional symptoms in the postpartum period, four to six week after birth. The most common postnatal depression is the “baby blues”, which can occur between two and three days after giving birth. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, and crying without reason.

The rapid change in hormone levels and stress associated with motherhood, including the birthing process, are believed to be responsible for this. If these symptoms don’t go away within two weeks, this could indicate the beginning of major postpartum depressive disorder.

Postnatal depression (also called postpartum depressive disorder) is less common than transient depression. It lasts longer and is more severe. Its primary symptoms are:

The feeling of being hopeless, failing and guilty. Doubts or concerns about caring for the child.

There are also physical symptoms (such as insomnia and drowsiness; a low or excessive sexual desire; or diffused pain).

Postpartum depression has a negative effect on the child

A recent study found that postpartum anxiety and depression can affect not only the mother, but also her daughter. Scientists from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, used female rats in order to examine the physiological and behavioral changes of mothers exposed to chronic early social stress.

“The endocrine- and behavioral-data are consistent with the findings of studies involving depressed human mothers.” This animal model can be used to test new treatments and preventive measures for postpartum anxiety or depression. It also allows researchers to examine the negative effects of these disorders.

The role played by family members and friends

Family members and friends must know that postpartum is a medical condition that should be taken very seriously. Encouragement and support from family and friends are very important in the recovery. The mother must be reassured by her children that depression isn’t their fault or a sign weakness.

In order to ensure that a mother in depression is never left alone with her child or children, she can ask family members to take turns to stay with her. The household chores can be taken on by someone else if you get the mother’s permission. Supporting fathers during this time is equally important for them and the family.