Postpartum Depression Research Paper
Bringing a new baby into the world and family can be a wonderful experience for most parents. All mothers and fathers have been faced with challenges when dealing with a newborn affecting them both mentally and physically, and it is natural to experience joy one minute and feeling depressed the next. These mood swings can be known as “baby blues” and usually, subside after birth. However, some women aren’t so lucky, and the feelings of depression dwell and don’t go away. This is when it is referred to as postpartum depression. Women aren’t the only ones who can suffer from this, new fathers as well may be susceptible. Postpartum depression describes maternal depression occurring after birth, with symptoms occurring within the first month of
delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10-15% of mothers experience postpartum depression within the first year of giving birth (Abbasi et al., 2013). Even though only the mother is considered depressed, the people around her can dramatically be affected. Depression during this time may affect the new mother’s ability to respond to her infant’s cues and interferes with the developing maternal-infant bonding experience. It may also interfere with the child’s emotional and cognitive development (Leifer, 2015). Postpartum depression can be a very difficult time in a person’s life, but if treated properly, symptoms usually go away with a few months. But what if they don’t? Research suggests that even though symptoms of postpartum depression decrease over time, a number of women develop chronic problems. “A recent report in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry suggests that postpartum depression (PPD) remains a long-term problem for 30-50% of affected women” (Nauert, 2015). When finding that research quote about postpartum depression having the possibly of being a chronic issue, I had no idea. From a personal experience dealing with postpartum, my symptoms came, I noticed them, treated them and away they went after a few months. But for many, I can now see that it might not be as simple as that.
delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10-15% of mothers experience postpartum depression within the first year of giving birth (Abbasi et al., 2013). Even though only the mother is considered depressed, the people around her can dramatically be affected. Depression during this time may affect the new mother’s ability to respond to her infant’s cues and interferes with the developing maternal-infant bonding experience. It may also interfere with the child’s emotional and cognitive development (Leifer, 2015). Postpartum depression can be a very difficult time in a person’s life, but if treated properly, symptoms usually go away with a few months. But what if they don’t? Research suggests that even though symptoms of postpartum depression decrease over time, a number of women develop chronic problems. “A recent report in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry suggests that postpartum depression (PPD) remains a long-term problem for 30-50% of affected women” (Nauert, 2015). When finding that research quote about postpartum depression having the possibly of being a chronic issue, I had no idea. From a personal experience dealing with postpartum, my symptoms came, I noticed them, treated them and away they went after a few months. But for many, I can now see that it might not be as simple as that.