1. The Postpartum Period
Chapter 3

2. Postpartum Period Period after childbirth or delivery About 6 weeks
Or until mothers body has completed its adjustment and returned to a nearly prepregnant state
Adjustments are physical, emotional and psychological

3. Physical Adjustments Fatigue Can undermine ones sense of well being
And confidence to cope with a new baby and a new family life
Loss of sleep
Contributes to stress, marital conflict, and impaired decision making
Poor quality of sleep
Disrupted, fragmented sleep
Linked to postpartum depression
Hormone production drops

4. Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Several weeks to long term emotional swings
Postpartum blues
70% of new mothers in US
2-3 days after birth, they feel depressed, anxious, and upset
May come and go for several months
Usually go away after one or two weeks

5. Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Postpartum depression
Major depressive episode
Typically 4 weeks after delivery
Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair
At least 2 weeks trouble coping with their daily tasks
Without treatment, can become worse and last for many months
10-14% of new mothers experience
Often do not seek help

6. Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Postpartum depression risk factors
History of depression
depression and anxiety during pregnancy
Neuroticism - negative state of fear, anxiety, worry, frustration
Loss self-esteem
Postpartum blues
Poor marital relationship, low levels of social support

7. Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Postpartum depression risk factors
Perinatal complications
Infant health and temperament
Type of delivery
Humoral changes
History of physical abuse
Migrant status
Postpartum physical complications

8. Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Treatment
Antidepressant drugs
Psychotherapy, especially cognitive therapy
Regular exercise

9. Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Other concerns of postpartum depression
Interaction with baby difficulties
Care giving activities (feeding, sleep routines, safety practices)
Fathers may experience depression, jealousy
Study: higher support by fathers was related to a lower incidence of depression in women

10. Bonding
The formation of a physical connection between parents and baby... Early on after birth
Research is mixed
Seems to be more beneficial/needed for mother than for baby
May help with improved integration after leaving the hospital