Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as a mood disorder and a serious mental health concern that affects many women immediately or shortly after the birth of a child (NIMH, 2016). There is no single event or cause that brings on the effects of this depression. The mother has no influence over the introduction of this condition. With every woman having a different chemical structure, symptoms may appear or present differently. It affects 10-15% of new mothers but many of them remain undiagnosed. The symptoms and diagnosis, the effect on the relationship between mother and child, and treatment and resources are very widespread and understudied that it goes without reason to say that more information is needed in order to get the answers that
…show more content…
At best, the connection between a mother and child is superficially developed (Kinsey, 2012). Bonding, according to Klaus and Kennell (1976) is skin-to-skin contact at the early critical period. This idea was validated as being false. Attachment is described as a secure feeling and having a source of comfort from a parent (Waters, 2000). Children develop attachments with anyone who gives them steady care, disregarding the quality of that care (van IJzendoorn, 1999). The effect on infants whose mother went through postpartum depression (PPD) can impact the development and quality of life that child will have (Sameroff, 1993). A long-term effect on the relationship between mother and child varies based on the severity of the depression. Since the child looks to the adult role models for guidance, children that are subjected to a parent with postpartum depression can be shown to have lower negative mood regulation and problem solving skills. Mothers were shown to have issues setting limits and enforcing those limits if they were surpassed. With regards to academic development, children were found to have attention difficulties, problems with reasoning, and special educational needs (Kochanska, …show more content…
There are outpatient treatments such as counseling or medicine, but if a mother becomes suicidal or if there is a safety concern for the child, then hospitalization is utilized. There is no concrete evidence or research that deals with the long-term effects of medicines on the ever-growing brain and nervous system of children while their parent is taking antidepressants. It is thought that medicines are passed through the breast milk to the infant. The safety concern with giving breastfeeding mothers antidepressants could affect her road to recovery when dealing with postpartum depression. If medication is not an option, there are alternatives that can be offered in order to alleviate the symptoms. Group and family therapy participants have been shown to have fewer symptoms over time, more of a positive attitude, and even a more positive experience and reactiveness with their infant (Thurgood,
At best, the connection between a mother and child is superficially developed (Kinsey, 2012). Bonding, according to Klaus and Kennell (1976) is skin-to-skin contact at the early critical period. This idea was validated as being false. Attachment is described as a secure feeling and having a source of comfort from a parent (Waters, 2000). Children develop attachments with anyone who gives them steady care, disregarding the quality of that care (van IJzendoorn, 1999). The effect on infants whose mother went through postpartum depression (PPD) can impact the development and quality of life that child will have (Sameroff, 1993). A long-term effect on the relationship between mother and child varies based on the severity of the depression. Since the child looks to the adult role models for guidance, children that are subjected to a parent with postpartum depression can be shown to have lower negative mood regulation and problem solving skills. Mothers were shown to have issues setting limits and enforcing those limits if they were surpassed. With regards to academic development, children were found to have attention difficulties, problems with reasoning, and special educational needs (Kochanska, …show more content…
There are outpatient treatments such as counseling or medicine, but if a mother becomes suicidal or if there is a safety concern for the child, then hospitalization is utilized. There is no concrete evidence or research that deals with the long-term effects of medicines on the ever-growing brain and nervous system of children while their parent is taking antidepressants. It is thought that medicines are passed through the breast milk to the infant. The safety concern with giving breastfeeding mothers antidepressants could affect her road to recovery when dealing with postpartum depression. If medication is not an option, there are alternatives that can be offered in order to alleviate the symptoms. Group and family therapy participants have been shown to have fewer symptoms over time, more of a positive attitude, and even a more positive experience and reactiveness with their infant (Thurgood,