Not all babies bring joy

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First thing that comes to mind when you think about a mother giving birth to her newborn baby is joy. While this is a common feeling for most mothers, 10-15% of first time mothers experience Post-Partum depression. Post-Partum depression is the increase of sadness and hopelessness following the delivery of their baby. Studies suggest that this depression is triggered by the raging production of hormones after delivery. Some other contributing factors that contribute to this depression includes external factors such as lack of support and internal factors such as stress. Of the previously mentioned 10-15% of woman positively diagnosed, 19.3% have an increased risk of seriously cause harm to themselves.

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The Mayo clinic found that there is no single determinant of this depression but this depression is influenced by three factors, emotional, physical and lifestyle influences. Of these influences, the resulting symptoms are severe mood swings, crying, trouble sleeping, irritability and sadly troubles bonding with the baby. As an Human Development and Family Studies major, I have learned the importance of that initial bond with between a mother and her child. This bond, beginning in the womb, is one of the essential components for the development of the child. This bond is a major determinant of the child’s mental abilities, temperament and later developed personality. In order to reduce some of the symptoms of the mother and to foster the proper development of the child, some of the treatments established for Post-Partum Depression is counseling and anti-depressants.

As a soon to be God-mother, I found this topic to be extremely interesting and informative for the possibilities my best friend can experience. After completing this blog, I am now aware of the symptoms to look out for so I can get her in the necessary help if need sooner rather than later.

2 thoughts on “Not all babies bring joy”

  1. Sara Ware

    Your blog is a really great read for any woman who is going to become pregnant. It’s also great for the males so they can prepare for what may happen when their significant other has a baby. I’ve heard of Post-Partum depression before and I think it’s something that rarely gets addressed by people. As LeShae said in the comment above me, people usually only think about the positive emotions associated with having a baby. The depression can happen to anyone completely unexpected. I believe this 17-year-old was suffering from Post-Partum when she was questioned by police for possibly shop lifting in Victoria’s Secret. It turned out to be her miscarried baby inside of her backpack. I know it’s a really gross story, but looking past all of that she clearly has a psychological issue. She is a teenager who miscarried, that is bound to really impact her life and the way she is thinking. Anyway, that story just goes to show how little we think about Post-Partum and the effects of having a baby, good and bad.

  2. LeShae Daniel

    I found your article to be really informative. Often people talk about only the positives that come when having a child, and excitement is what fills the room once the baby is born. I think it is important to also mention the negatives that come along with the stress of a child, so I appreciate that you addressed such a prevalent issue. I found a website that said that 1 in 8 women suffer from this, so it is much more common than we think. The website provides information about the depression as well as resources that women can use in order to get support and help. As a soon to be godmother, this website may help you in your journey with your future godchild. Congrats!

    http://www.postpartum.net/

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