Tag Archives: mother-baby bonding

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (3)

In this blog, we continue with looking at how postpartum depression affects the mother, her partner and family and friends as discussed in Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1) and (2). Antidepressant medication may or may not be required, depending on medical advice. Whether medication is indication or not, there will be periods where the new mother is well and functioning, and other times when the old symptoms return. This is normal. As previously discussed, household help will be required so that the mother can turn her limited resources towards the baby. She will also need time out from her … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1)

Postpartum depression affects roughly one in 8 women and is much more than a feeling of unhappiness or sadness. It is a real illness, is beyond the mother’s control, and requires medical intervention. Postpartum depression may develop as a result of a pre-existing depression which worsens after birth, or it may come entirely out of the blue. The condition may occur immediately after the birth, develop suddenly in the days and weeks following the birth. Alternatively, it may slowly manifest over a period of weeks and months so that mother and family alike are initially unaware of the presence of … Continue reading →