Depression and Childbirth
A study published by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in March, 2006 examined whether a mother’s postpartum depression impacted her parenting practices.
The study revealed when mothers are experiencing symptoms of depression after having a baby, they are less likely to do the following with their newborns:
- breastfeed
- play with
- read to
- perform any other interactive parenting tasks
Based upon the list above, one can see that depression affects more than just the mother. Those activites listed above are crucial ways of bonding and enriching your baby’s life.
If you feel you are battling with symptoms of depression after giving birth, do not hesistate to talk to your doctor. Get help. Do it for you and your baby. Post-partum depression is real and it’s not your fault. Don’t let guilt or shame stand in your way. Talk honestly with your doctor and examine your options.
You are worth it and so is your baby.
Get baby-talking!
Comments
Leave a Reply