Rethinking Depression in New Mothers Current Research Trends and Their Implications for Practice

摘要

Research in the field of perinatal depression continues to evolve and is sufficient for us to make sound clinical decisions. The most recent research challenges our assumptions and shows that the scope of this problem is much broader than we have previously believed. It also shows that depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in pregnancy increase the risk of preterm birth— the number one cause of infant mortality worldwide. Current studies show that birth interventions, such as epidurals, are related to both breastfeeding difficulties and depression. Moreover, depression is a direct threat to breastfeeding. Depressed mothers are significantly less likely to initiate or continue breastfeeding. Therefore, perinatal depression falls squarely within the purview of breastfeeding supporters. It is our problem. Fortunately, when breastfeeding is going well, it actually lowers mothers' risk of depression. This is true even when mothers have histories of significant psychological trauma. Taking action to protect mothers' mental health is crucial to support breastfeeding and, in so doing, give more babies the best possible start in life.