Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression often goes undetected; yet postpartum effects 1 in 7 women. My sister’s postpartum depression went undetected until it became so severe our family had to develop a plan to prevent her from suicide attempts.  When I think back to when my nephew was born, there was so many signs that we missed.  My sister lived with my mom and my nephew’s father lived out of state.  My mother always made sure my nephew was feed and diaper was changed, but we all thought it was just my mother smothering her new grandchild.  When my sister sent her 8 week son out of state with his dad, we couldn’t understand how a new mother would send her newborn out of state.  I remember being upset, I remember looking at my sister with confusion as she told me her son needed his dad more than he needed her.  We never asked her how she felt about her son or if she was happy, I now know my sister was crying out for help and we all missed the signs.

In the UK, postpartum depression is the leading cause of maternal suicide. Just like mothers in the US, mothers in the UK report the feeling of lack of social and emotional support and/or martial unhappiness as some reasons for unhappiness.  In the contrast with the US, mothers in the UK who are diagnosed with postpartum depression are not prescribed any antidepressants and instead are encourage to seek therapy.

The information I have learned about postpartum depression increases my desire to see more done in terms of screening.   I think as early childhood professionals, it’s important that we check on the mother’s well-being during the child’s first year of life.  The best way to do this is checking in during home visits and simply asking the mother how she’s doing.  It is critical to understand signs and have resources available for a mom who is struggling.