Postnatal depression (PND) refers to symptoms of severe or prolonged depression that persist for more than a week following pregnancy and interfere with the mother’s ability to function. Symptoms typically include irritability, confusion, forgetfulness, uneasiness, fatigue, guilt, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The development of PND is typically greatest within 12 weeks post-delivery and symptoms can last over a year (Dennis, 2005). This condition can interfere with bonding and attachment between mother and baby, cause distress for the woman, and result in damaging perceptions of the infant’s behavior. Studies have also shown that postnatal depression can leave a significant impact on the family and have major implications for the emotional
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Some psychologists suggest that rates of PND vary between countries and eras due to variable and changing societal acceptance of unmarried and young mothers. Furthermore, mothers that attempted breastfeeding and failed or ceased early had significant higher patient scores on the EPDS (McCoy, Beal, Miller-Shipman, Payton, & Watson, 2006). One study found that in countries where exclusive breastfeeding is standard for most mothers, the incidence of postnatal depression peaks at 9 months postpartum, whereas in countries where formula feeding is typical, incidence peaks at 3 months (Labbok, 2001). Additionally, personal or familial history of depression has been found to be a moderate predictor of postnatal depression and prenatal depression is a strong predictor. Moreover, the method of delivery of the child is a risk factor for postnatal depression. Delivery by caesarean section is considered a significant risk factor for patients with major symptoms often appearing at an average of 5 days after childbirth. Finally, cigarette smoking has been linked to PND. One explanation is that the pressures of being a young mother predisposed the patient to depression and cigarette smoking is a coping mechanism or attempt at self-medication. Additionally, cigarette smoking has been shown to be a predictor of illegal drug and alcohol abuse, which is also associated with an increased risk of depression (McCoy et al.,
Some psychologists suggest that rates of PND vary between countries and eras due to variable and changing societal acceptance of unmarried and young mothers. Furthermore, mothers that attempted breastfeeding and failed or ceased early had significant higher patient scores on the EPDS (McCoy, Beal, Miller-Shipman, Payton, & Watson, 2006). One study found that in countries where exclusive breastfeeding is standard for most mothers, the incidence of postnatal depression peaks at 9 months postpartum, whereas in countries where formula feeding is typical, incidence peaks at 3 months (Labbok, 2001). Additionally, personal or familial history of depression has been found to be a moderate predictor of postnatal depression and prenatal depression is a strong predictor. Moreover, the method of delivery of the child is a risk factor for postnatal depression. Delivery by caesarean section is considered a significant risk factor for patients with major symptoms often appearing at an average of 5 days after childbirth. Finally, cigarette smoking has been linked to PND. One explanation is that the pressures of being a young mother predisposed the patient to depression and cigarette smoking is a coping mechanism or attempt at self-medication. Additionally, cigarette smoking has been shown to be a predictor of illegal drug and alcohol abuse, which is also associated with an increased risk of depression (McCoy et al.,