As a new mom, dealing with the period after childbirth or a first pregnancy can be a big challenge, potentially even affecting mental health. This change is certainly not easy. Someone who previously had no responsibility for children now faces new responsibilities with the arrival of a baby in their life.
Photo credit: Pew
Worldwide, about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience mental disorders, especially depression. In developing countries, this figure is even higher, at 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after childbirth. In very severe cases, these disorders can make mothers feel so depressed that they are at risk of suicide. In addition, mothers who experience mental problems are unable to perform their daily activities properly, which can also have a negative impact on the development of their children. Fortunately, maternal mental disorders are treatable, with the support of a comprehensive environment and with the right intervention, mothers can recover and perform their daily activities perfectly.
Suicide is one of the most important causes of death among pregnant and postpartum women. Although psychosis is less common, this condition can also lead to suicide and, in some cases, harm the newborn. Maternal depression not only causes immense suffering and disability, but also reduces responsiveness to the needs of the child. Evidence suggests that treating maternal depression can help improve infant growth and development and reduce the risk of infant diarrhea and malnutrition.
Globally, maternal mental health is now considered a major public health challenge. While maternal mortality remains a key indicator of maternal health, WHO is now considering Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and proposing a Healthy Life Expectancy (AHH) indicator in the post-2015 agenda for development goals. This shows the importance of focusing on maternal mental health in more integrated maternal and child health services. The need for maternal mental health programs is not only felt in high-income countries, but also in low- and middle-income countries. Some health institutions in these countries have started integrated maternal mental health programs, which are low-cost interventions involving non-specialist or community health workers. These programs have been shown to have a positive impact, not only for the mother, but also for the growth and development of the child.
Who is Likely to Have Suicidal Thoughts?
New mothers face a higher risk of suicide due to a complex combination of biological, psychological and socio-economic factors. The perinatal period, which includes the period of pregnancy and some time after delivery, is characterized by significant emotional and physical changes, which can exacerbate pre-existing mental health problems or trigger new ones. Understanding these risks is critical for effective prevention strategies.
About 20% of new mothers experience this, and the risk is higher in women who have a history of mental health disorders or suicide attempts prior to pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to biological factors, traumatic or violent experiences in childhood can also increase her vulnerability to suicidal thoughts. Lack of social support or unstable relationships can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. In addition, young mothers or those with unplanned pregnancies, as well as those living in difficult economic conditions, are at higher risk of mental problems. These factors are interrelated and can worsen mental health, ultimately increasing the risk of suicide.
New research shows that people with depression during and after pregnancy face a higher risk of suicide within the first year of their diagnosis. Oscar Wong/Getty Images. Photo Credit : healthline
Effects of Maternal Mental Disorders After Birth on The Mother and The Infant
Maternal mental disorders after childbirth, such as depression or psychosis (mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality), can affect the mother’s physical and emotional state as well as the baby’s development. Mothers who experience postpartum depression often feel very depressed, which makes it difficult for them to take care of themselves, such as not eating well, not bathing, or not maintaining good hygiene. This condition can increase the risk of physical health problems in the mother, due to lack of proper self-care. In addition, depression also increases the risk of suicide, and in the case of psychosis disorders, although rare, the risk of the mother committing violence against her baby, such as infanticide.
Newborn babies, especially very young ones, are very sensitive to their environment and the quality of care they receive. If the mother is experiencing mental distress, this can affect her ability to provide the care that the baby needs, such as creating a strong emotional bond (attachment), breastfeeding well, or caring for the baby in general. Severe or prolonged mental distress can disrupt these processes, which can adversely affect the baby’s development. Disruptions in the mother-infant bond and suboptimal infant care can affect the baby’s physical, emotional and social development, which is crucial in the early stages of life.
What to do?
Maternal mental health can be integrated into general health services, including women’s health, maternal and child health care, reproductive health care, and other related services. By incorporating mental health care into these services, we can provide more holistic support for mothers, covering not only physical health but also mental health, which is critical for both maternal well-being and child development. This integrated approach helps to ensure that mothers receive comprehensive care and can prevent or manage mental health problems that may arise after childbirth.
The Power of a Mother’s Love. Photo Credit : Focus on the family
How to prevent?
Preventing suicidal thinking in new mothers requires a comprehensive approach, which includes mental health screening, intervention strategies, and appropriate support systems. Research shows that effective prevention programs can significantly reduce suicidal thinking and improve the overall mental health of mothers during the postnatal period.
Mental Health Screening
Regular screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is essential as these conditions are strong predictors of suicidal thinking. One tool that can be used is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which is well-tested and can identify mothers at risk of depression and suicidal thinking from the first week postpartum.
Intervention Program
Integrated community-based mental health care programs, such as those developed in Nagano, Japan, have been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal thinking through comprehensive support and follow-up care. A multidisciplinary approach involving mental health professionals can also provide interventions tailored to individual needs, helping mothers receive more specific and appropriate care.
Social Support and Education
Strengthening social support networks for new mothers is essential to reduce feelings of isolation and distress, which are significant risk factors for suicide. Education programs for healthcare providers on how to recognize and manage perinatal mental health issues can also increase early intervention rates. This allows for faster treatment of mental problems, which can prevent further development of the disorder.
While these strategies are effective, it is important to remember that mental health services are essential as a primary step in prevention efforts. If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms or feelings described above, do not attempt to self-diagnose. Contact a healthcare professional immediately to get the right help to address the issues you are experiencing. Getting expert support can help you better manage your condition and prevent more serious outcomes. You know yourself best, and it’s important to reach out for help if you need it. Take care, and have a wonderful day ahead! 😊
References:
- Saharoy R, Potdukhe A, Wanjari M, Taksande AB. Postpartum Depression and Maternal Care: Exploring the Complex Effects on Mothers and Infants. Cureus. 2023 Jul 4;15(7):e41381. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41381. PMID: 37546054; PMCID: PMC10400812.
- Jimenez-Barragan M, Del Pino Gutierrez A, Garcia JC, Monistrol-Ruano O, Coll-Navarro E, Porta-Roda O, Falguera-Puig G. Study protocol for improving mental health during pregnancy: a randomized controlled low-intensity m-health intervention by midwives at primary care centers. BMC Nurs. 2023 Sep 7;22(1):309. doi: 10.1186/s12912-023-01440-4. PMID: 37674184; PMCID: PMC10483870.
- Tachibana Y, Koizumi N, Mikami M, Shikada K, Yamashita S, Shimizu M, Machida K, Ito H. An integrated community mental healthcare program to reduce suicidal ideation and improve maternal mental health during the postnatal period: the findings from the Nagano trial. BMC Psychiatry. 2020 Jul 29;20(1):389. doi: 10.1186/s12888-020-02765-z. PMID: 32727420; PMCID: PMC7390164.
- Arditi-Arbel B, Hamdan S, Winterman M, Gvion Y. Suicidal ideation and behavior among perinatal women and their association with sleep disturbances, medical conditions, and known risk factors. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Jan 19;13:987673. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.987673. PMID: 36741562; PMCID: PMC9893018.
- Chin K, Wendt A, Bennett IM, Bhat A. Suicide and Maternal Mortality. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2022 Apr;24(4):239-275. doi: 10.1007/s11920-022-01334-3. Epub 2022 Apr 2. PMID: 35366195; PMCID: PMC8976222.
- World Health Organization. Maternal Mental Health. Retrieved December 19, 2024, from https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/maternal-mental-health
