advice these mothers held their newborns for the first time , the mother-infant bond – which may have begun at a late stage of their pregnancy – activated their centre of empathy .
Saying that , not every mother feels joy . Tiredness and anxiety can sometimes override the positive feelings . As can those of expectation – not every woman is a natural born mother . Sadly , approximately 10 per cent of women develop perinatal depression , with symptoms often persisting post-delivery .
Life circumstances , such as a lack of social interaction with friends and family or problems with financial support can bring about perinatal depression – indeed the strongest risk factor is having prior history of depression . Some of the symptoms may include persistent low mood , loss of interest in happy activities , impaired concentration and feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt – symptoms that are not exclusive to pregnancy related depression .
We also shouldn ’ t underestimate the extent to which our mood affects our pregnancy and ultimately our unborn
child . Extreme cases have resulted in obstetric complications such as low-birth weight and adverse pre-term deliveries . More commonly , newborns may fuss a bit more , cry inconsolably and have difficulties with feeding and sleeping . Some may even go on to experience further emotional and behavioural problems and can be at risk of cognitive and language development delays .
Even though perinatal depression affects both mother and child , we should never see the problem as solely onesided . Ongoing innate bonding means that a mother ’ s actions and feelings are constantly feeding into a child ’ s mind , with the opposite also being true . Indeed it can be a vicious cycle – a fussy baby makes for a stressed out mother , which makes for an even fussier baby and so on .
But as perinatal depression often begins before birth , interventions carried out at an early stage can support the mother through stresses and periods of anxiety . Teams of both medical and non-medical professionals , including midwives and prenatal nurses , can help monitor both baby and mother-to-be
We shouldn ’ t underestimate the extent to which our mood affects our pregnancy and ultimately our unborn child .
for any developmental problems , whilst supporting the mother to attend the infant ’ s physical and emotional needs to encourage positive mother-baby bonding .
As with all cases , caught early , symptoms and the right support can help alleviate pregnancy and parenting stresses and strains , hopefully reinstating joy to what should naturally be a time for happiness . As always , patients and their partners should initially talk with their Obstetrician to ensure the best course of support and treatment for them . for one 4hr workshop or $ 1500 for the full Financial and Empowerment education programme . Find out more on our website .
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