Maternal depression compromises how the mother relates to the baby, which can impact the child’s development in the future, concludes an article published by researchers from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), in Rio Grande do Sul, in the scientific journal Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
The lack of research on impacts of depression on parenting It motivated the Brazilian team to conduct a systematic review of all articles on the subject published in the last ten years in several databases. “Although depression is greatly affected by socioeconomic factors, most research is done in rich countries, and are transverse studies, that is, they do not follow long -term follow -up,” says psychologist Tiago Neuenfeld Munhoz, a UFPel professor and one of the authors of the article.
In general, the analysis reveals that depressive symptoms in the mother are associated with the least involvement, commitment and pleasure in interacting with the baby. “Mothers with depression have difficulty connecting to their children, affecting the bond with them. There is less affection, less smiles, less touch and stimuli,” exemplifies Munhoz.
This also impacts activities such as telling stories and walking. “They have less sensitivity to identify possible child problems and even difficulty organizing the routine,” says the psychologist. These mothers can still adopt educational practices called coercive or punitive, which include the expression of feelings like anger, sadness, hostility and even physical and verbal aggression. All of this can damage the child’s cognitive development.
Therefore, proper prenatal care is essential, as well as the returns in consultations, which happen 15 and 40 days after delivery and after three to six months of the birth of the baby. “Many go through high and emotional downs And to some extent these fluctuations can be normal and transitory. But maternal depression is a serious problem for mother and child, and the obstetrician is a key piece for her detection from prenatal care to the puerperium, “warns Gynecologist and obstetrician Mariano Tamura, from Einstein Hospital Israelita.
It is important to evaluate risk factorsas a history of depression, lack of family support and whether pregnancy has been planned. “The doctor should always ask how the woman feels emotionally, how her mood is, hope and how it has been taking care of the baby,” says Tamura.
It is also important that the health professional supports and consult more often if necessary, in addition to prescribing medication and referring to psychologist or psychiatrist, when indicated
In addition to the doctor, the whole network around the mother, from family to other professionals, should be aware of signs and symptoms that may indicate possible depression and seek help, if applicable. (Einstein/Gabriela Cupani Agency)
