Fathers and postnatal depression

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

19 Aug 2006 04:55 PM

A new study from the University of Melbourne in Australia has revealed a vital link between postnatal depression in new mothers and the behaviors of the baby's father.

Traditionally, new mothers presenting at their family doctor or at early parenting centers with symptoms of postnatal depression have been prescribed antidepressants. While the medication may assist the mother in the short-term, the long term problem regarding what is causing the depression in the first place is not addressed via drug intervention alone.

In addition, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking antidepressant medication, and both mother and child may miss out on valuable bonding experiences when this classic drug approach is adopted. Women also may feel inadequate when they discover that they are not only depressed, but also are unable to breastfeed their child due to the prescribed medication. This circular situation naturally makes the new mother feel even more depressed and inadequate. Other unsuitable circumstances for the use of antidepressants have been previously discussed in When antidepressants aren't the best option (1) , (2) , and (3). In this most resent study of postnatal depression, researchers found a significant link between the development of the disorder and a lack of support from fathers. Surveys showed that many fathers were lacking in their role of supporting the new baby, particularly in the areas of bathing, and taking turns in settling the infant to sleep, the latter resulting in nervous exhaustion in the mother and ultimately early signs of postnatal depression. Of course, postnatal depression can occur even when the father is devoted to his newborn child. But the study coordinator, Professor Jane Fisher, found that fathers with a critical attitude towards the mother and who themselves were reluctant to assist in sharing housework and childrearing were contributing to the emotional ill-health of their partner.

Women who participated in the 145-member study were found to be undertaking approximately 75% of all domestic tasks on top of caring for the new infant. The study places a new slant on the intervention and treatment of postnatal depression, looking primarily at the environment of the new mother and how best to improve her day-to-day workspace, rather than treating the condition medically through the use of antidepressant drugs. Although postnatal depression may occur for a variety of reasons, Professor Fisher believes that the treatment of this condition should be expanded to include the role of the father.

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Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 19 Aug 2006 05:04 PM

Interesting how research on the inequitable division of labour is now supporting the declining mental health of mothers. I hope that the conclusions from the study find a loud voice in the area of early intervention - before our kids even think about having babies. Women can do anything is somewhat different to woman have to do everything. I'm going to print this and give to my daughter Beth. She is thinking of having babies. Now's the time to make it pointedly clear to her that she doesn't have to do everthing and that she needs to expect and demand an equal division of household labour.

Valorie Delp (49340) 19 Aug 2006 08:28 PM

Doesn't it seem like a no-brainer though? Of course if your spouse is obnoxiously critical and doesn't help in any way, you're prone to depression. I have to say though I know a lot of women who put pressure on themselves to maintain a certain standard that just isn't a) realistic and b) as important to their spouses. For this reason, I wouldn't say that you should "demand" your spouse help you. It's reasonable to expect help but I think open communication and working together with a "team approach" would go over a lot better. JMHO. Beth, by the way, I recently wrote an article, "Breastfeeding and PPD"

Valorie Delp (49340) 19 Aug 2006 08:31 PM

AAACK! I hate that we can't edit our comments! I meant to add--Great article Beth! I'm glad they're starting to look at other ways to treat PPD. I wonder if there's been any studies done on pre-natal education (like what happens when the baby comes home). Some pre-natal education programs, where the dads have to participate, are having some good results with things like breastfeeding.

Megan Bayliss (3586) 20 Aug 2006 01:24 AM

Valorie what does the acronymn JMHO represent? It's probably also a no-brainer but I really don't have any idea what it stands for.

Beth McHugh (13211) 20 Aug 2006 11:00 PM

Hi Valerie, Thanks for your supportive feedback and, yes, it is great to see a more holistic approach to the way we support new mother in distress.

robertfinger (21) 08 Oct 2008 08:31 PM

how can i show my wife this is an over reaction and for her to see and acccept that she has this problem and she needs help and to also get her to see i do love her and that she loves my instead of going through a denial phase

robertfinger (21) 08 Oct 2008 08:33 PM

also i found out being that my wife is hispanic and she is currently staying with her mom right now a friend told me that traditional mexican familes they have a tendency to put things into a persons head especially her sister who has never liked me from the time we started together we have a 5 year history and its time she opens her baby brown eyes and sees that there are people do love her including her soon to be husband