Xuzhou Mental Health Service Station: 1. Factors leading to postpartum depression
The exact cause of postpartum depression is still unclear. Some contributing factors may include:
1. Physical changes – Even a relatively easy birth can be an overwhelming experience for a woman’s body. Additionally, the sudden drop in pregnancy hormones can affect brain chemicals ( neurotransmitter ). Lack of sleep and exhaustion can also contribute to depression.
2. Emotional changes – Adjusting to parenthood can be a difficult task. New mothers have to deal with the constant demands of their babies, the different dynamics of their relationships with their partners, and the loss of their independence. This change is difficult at the best of times, but it's even more unbearable when a woman's body is still recovering from childbirth and dealing with sleep deprivation.
3.Social changes - Society places many demands and expectations on new mothers, and a woman may feel she needs to. She may find herself unable to stay in touch with friends and colleagues. Adjusting to salaried life was also difficult.
2. Mother-infant relationship during postpartum depression
A woman suffering from postpartum depression tends to withdraw from everyone, including her child. This is a symptom of the disease, but it doesn't mean she is a "bad" mother. Some people believe that the bond between mother and child must occur within the first days or weeks of life or it simply won't happen. This is not true.
The mother-child relationship is an ongoing process. Depression Once the depression is relieved, the mother can feel her full range of emotions again and begin to enjoy the time with her baby. In the meantime, she may need extra help from family and friends.
Third, fathers can also suffer from postpartum depression.
Research has found that one in 10 fathers experience paternal postpartum depression between three months before pregnancy and a year after delivery.
Risk factors for postpartum depression in fathers and partners include:
1. Older age
2. First-time parent
3. Narrow social circle
4. Limited social interaction and support
5. Limited education
6. Concurrent stressful life events
7 .Quality of relationship with wife or partner
8.History of mental health problems
9.Poor health.
