The Department of Health and Human Services says that "about 13% of pregnant women and new mothers have depression." The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist states that 70 - 80% of women experience the "baby blues." More recent studies seem to be indicating that Postpartum Depression is even more prevalent. There is no doubt that postpartum depression is a concern for pregnant and new moms, but what may surprise some people is that dads can suffer from depression after the arrival of a new baby as well.
CNN posted this article about postpartum depression in men. It is clear from the article that more research is needed. What causes this depression? Does the medicalization of birth play a factor? Are we educating and/or preparing men as well as we should be for the arrival of their babies? How can we incorporate adequate screening for depression for a couple into prenatal and postpartum care? As childbirth educators, how can we address this in our classes and what should we be looking for? These are questions I don't have the answers to, but would be interested in seeing the research surrounding the subject.
You can read a Lamaze article on Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues here.
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