MADISON (WKOW) — Some pregnant women see the joy of childbirth fade into weeks or months of negative attitudes that can have a negative impact on her relationships with her newborn and partner.
In fact, according to Dr. Roseanne Clark, up to 80 percent of women suffer from what’s called “postpartum blues.” Those “blues” are caused by a lack of sleep, changes in hormone levels and other factors.
If the problem lasts for longer than two weeks, the mother could actually be suffering from postpartum depression, which requires an evaluation by a mental health professional.
“Formal screening for postpartum depression by ob/gyn and family practice physicians and pediatricians is very important,” Clark says. “You can’t tell just by looking.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, postpartum depression affects 10 to 15 percent of mothers within the first year of giving birth. The rate of postpartum depression is much higher for teen mothers and mothers with less than 12 years of education, women living in poverty, and mothers who have been victims of physical abuse.
Now, evidence shows boosting omega-3 fatty acid intake could prevent postpartum blues and postpartum depression.
Tags: depression, omega, omega 3, postpartum, postpartum blues, postpartum depression, ppd
