Postnatal Depression

What causes Postnatal Depression?

• The shock of becoming a mother - Some women are not prepared for the physical shock of childbirth, the new responsibilities associated with a new baby (feeding, bathing, changing nappies etc.), the fact that it is a 24 hour-a-day job. She feels that she is losing her freedom and when she does go out, she has to change where she goes to take into account buggies, feeds, changing rooms etc. The mother may have had to give up her job aswell.
• Cultural differences - Mothers don't enjoy high status in Western cultures, some mothers resent that. Too much is expected of mothers, they are expected to know how to deal with everything, but they may not have support or help from friends or family who have had children before.
• Life changes & Stress - A mother is more likely to become depressed if some other stressful event has occurred e.g. the death of a family member.Moving house, changing jobs becoming unemployed (mother or partner) are all stressful events which can cause a loss of self esteem. A mother also needs someone to talk to and confide in.
• Childhood Experiences - Unresolved losses or griefs from the mothers childhood may surface again after after the shock of giving birth.
• Hormones - Some doctors believe PND is caused by the changes in hormone levels in the mothers body after giving birth. A lack of the hormone progestrone is thought by some to be a cause of PND.