 Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression
Why do new mothers need support
through this time of transition?
In many cultures, child conception and
birth is a time when women come together to celebrate. And
experienced mothers offer their support, knowledge, wisdom,
care, and practical help to the new mom.
In the absence of traditional
family support systems and postpartum support
rituals, our society is witnessing a frightening
rise in antenatal and postpartum illnesses (Kruckman &
Smith, 1998).
Our culture has forgotten how to celebrate
and value woman in this exciting transition. The
emphasis on preparation is all about products and equipment and
experts in baby care and techniques for "getting your baby to
sleep through the night" etc. and not about the mother's internal development. Mother's need to be affirmed, supported,
listened to and understood. They need someone to interpret what this experience means to them
uniquely. When mother's reflect on their innerl values and needs,
only then can then align themselves with an expert or a community of mothers
that will support and value them. This saves much time,
frustration and self-flagellation.
When new mothers
are well informed, prepared and supported by family,
friends, peers and professionals, they are
less likely to experience overwhelming emotional
distress during their pregnancy and postpartum
months.
How will you know if you need support?
All pregnant, birth,
adoptive and step-moms may benefit from support. And
especially mothers who are
at
risk for postpartum stress or depression related to
mothering any child.
Postpartum symptoms are a complex
mix of emotional, physical and behavioral changes
that are very treatable by skilled professionals. In
spite of this, many women who suffer do not
recognize there is something wrong, and only 1 in 5
will report their symptoms and receive help (Kruckman
& Smith, 1998).
Timely referral and intervention for the mother who is at risk for a postpartum reaction (depression or anxiety) can result in careful monitoring and, in many cases, the prevention of a full blown postpartum disorder.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression
While we are not sure exactly what causes postpartum
reactions, any of the factors (singly or combined) below can put a
woman at risk for a prenatal or postpartum reaction:
-
Ambivalent feelings about pregnancy.
-
High-risk, multiple, or post-fertility pregnancy.
-
Current stressors: relocation, divorce, financial
difficulties, loss of family member etc.
-
First time mother, older mother or much younger
(teen) mother.
-
Inadequate support; single mother.
-
Conflict with spouse, differing age, attitudes,
religion, child-rearing views.
-
Traumatic / unresolved emotional history.
-
History of depression, anxiety, mania previous
postpartum reaction in self or family.
-
High achiever at critical point in her career.
-
Over-concern with weight/ eating issues; eating
disorder past or present.
-
Traumatic birth experience; complications of
pregnancy or birth (e.g. bed rest, c-section).
-
Pre-term infant; baby with special needs,
colicky, fussy or “high need” baby.
-
Very short or very long space between babies.
-
Difficult /hostile / distant relationship with
own parent/s.
-
Previous loss of own parent, baby or pregnancy.
-
History of Premenstrual syndrome or other
menstrual problems, thyroid imbalance.
-
Women who have poor self-esteem, negative
thinking; a strong need for order, control or perfectionism; and
unable to ask for help.
-
Difficult marital relationship.
(Adapted from Kruckman and Smith, 1998; and Dunnewold
and Sandford, 1994; Milgrom et al, 1999)
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