Postpartum DepressionChild DevelopmentMrs. Brennan

Statistics• 50-80% of moms go through a “baby blues”

period the first two weeks postpartum• 10% of Moms suffer from Postpartum Depression• 0.1-0.2% of women go through a postpartum

psychosis• Women are more likely to suffer from depression,

especially from ages 18-44 (the childbearing years)

• Women are at a higher risk of depression during hormonal fluctuation such as during menstrual cycles and especially during pregnancy.

Sources & Symptoms• PPD can begin as early as 24 hours postpartum• Research says PDD is a hormonal imbalance in the

brain or can be caused by psychological issues or situations at home

• Symptoms include:• Feeling hopeless and helpless• Extreme low self esteem• Persistent sadness and irritability• Loss interest in activities• Extreme mood changes• Unable to adjust to the role of motherhood• Increased need to sleep or just stay in bed

Consequences of PDD • Symptoms can last several months up to 2 years

postpartum• If untreated PDD can lead to:• Suicide• Divorce• Loss of job• Alienation of family• Delayed development in children• Studies show that children from mothers with PDD

tested lower in cognitive abilities and were more negative in nature

• Child Abuse or even child homicide

Andrea Yates• Utah mother of 5 (ages 9 and

under), stay at home mom• Suffered from PDD after last

child• Husband noticed symptoms, but

did not seek therapy• Mrs. Yates drowned each of her

children in the bathtub one at a time while husband was at work

Risk Factors for PDD

• Family history of mood disorders• Anxiety and depression during pregnancy• Previous PDD• Child care difficulties (feeding, sleeping

health)• Marital conflict• Stressful life events• Poor social support

Treatment of PPD• Therapy• Don’t just think that it is “normal” to have these feelings• Don’t think that you’re a bad mother for feeling this way• Use coping mechanisms to control the stress of new

parenthood• Talk to someone: spouse, friend, parent, doctor, etc.

• Medication to improve hormonal balance• Support Groups

Journal• Why do moms and dads get stressed when they

become new parents? List at least 5 reasons. What can parents do to cope with the stress?

• TURN IN:• MOM INTERVIEWS (DUE TODAY!)• DEAR FRIEND LETTER (DUE FRIDAY!)