In comparison to the postnatal blues, postnatal depression is more persistent and can be debilitating for the mother, potentially leading to a lack of self wellbeing and a decrease in ability to care for their child efficiently (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 2006). Some women are at greater risk of developing postnatal depression. Risk factors include a personal history of depression, antenatal depression and any past episode of postnatal depression. (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, 2002). Additionally, daily stressors, such as negative life events, lack of social support and issues surrounding childcare have also been validated as risk factors (ACOG, 2006). According to Nelson et al (2013), there
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Mothers may also display excessive worry regarding their baby’s overall health and feeding habits, regarding themselves as ‘bad’ mothers (Robinson et al, 2001). In relation to this, the RCM (2015) state that the midwife has a duty to be aware of the presenting signs and symptoms associated with postnatal depression and have a good understanding of the referral processes in place. In contrast, Nonacs and Cohen (1998) argue that even with this awareness it can be difficult when screening for postnatal depression due to the fact that many symptoms associated with the condition are also common occurrences when women have a new baby, for example, fatigue, loss of sleep and loss of appetite. In turn, symptoms of postnatal depression may easily be dismissed by midwives as natural and normal consequences of motherhood. The underdiagnosing of postnatal depression may also be due to midwives having limited training in assessing and managing postnatal depression. It is the midwife’s responsibility however to update her own skillset and knowledge surrounding perinatal mental health to ensure women and their families receive relevant care, alongside current, evidence-based information (NMC,
Mothers may also display excessive worry regarding their baby’s overall health and feeding habits, regarding themselves as ‘bad’ mothers (Robinson et al, 2001). In relation to this, the RCM (2015) state that the midwife has a duty to be aware of the presenting signs and symptoms associated with postnatal depression and have a good understanding of the referral processes in place. In contrast, Nonacs and Cohen (1998) argue that even with this awareness it can be difficult when screening for postnatal depression due to the fact that many symptoms associated with the condition are also common occurrences when women have a new baby, for example, fatigue, loss of sleep and loss of appetite. In turn, symptoms of postnatal depression may easily be dismissed by midwives as natural and normal consequences of motherhood. The underdiagnosing of postnatal depression may also be due to midwives having limited training in assessing and managing postnatal depression. It is the midwife’s responsibility however to update her own skillset and knowledge surrounding perinatal mental health to ensure women and their families receive relevant care, alongside current, evidence-based information (NMC,