The mother’s role is crucial in the development, growth and well-being of the baby. The mother’s role is to take care of the newborn and infant. Read this?

Many women have emotional symptoms after delivery, between four to 6 weeks. Most often, women suffer from a transient depression called “babyblues” which usually occurs within two to three days of birth.

This may be due to hormonal fluctuations, the stress of childbirth and motherhood. If these symptoms continue to persist for more than two weeks they may indicate the onset major postpartum disorder.

Postnatal depression or postpartum is less common (about 10-15% mothers), but it’s more severe and long-lasting than transient postsnatal depression. The main symptoms of postnatal depression are:

Feelings such as hopelessness, failure, and guilt. Doubts, concerns, and worries about being able to care for your baby.

Also, physical signs can appear (such a drowsiness and insomnia, an insatiable appetite or one that is excessive, a low sexual drive, or diffused symptoms).

Postpartum anxiety can affect the child

Recent studies have shown that postpartum disorder not only impacts the mother’s abilities to care for children but can also affect a daughter’s ability provide maternal care to their own future offspring. Scientists in the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine of Tufts University examined behavioral and physiological differences in mothers exposed chronic social stress in early life as a way to model postpartum anxiety and depression.

“The endocrine/behavioral data are consistent to what has been reported from studies of depressed mother’s.” The potential of this animal model lies in its ability to be used as a tool for the development of new treatments and preventions of postpartum depression.

The role and importance of family and friends

It is important that friends and family know that the postpartum condition is a real clinical condition. Their encouragement can help in the recovery. It’s important to reassure the mother that her depression wasn’t her fault and was not a weakness.

Families and friends who are worried about a depressed mom being alone with their child can take it in turns to be with her. Helping someone else with household chores is a good idea, but it’s only helpful if mom agrees. After the birth, fathers can also be depressed. It’s important to provide support for them during this time.