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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is there any way to prevent postnatal depression?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Postnatal Depression
    I am due for childbirth in approximately two months. I have had quite a few friends who had postnatal depression. Are there any preventative measures I can take to reduce my chance of becoming depressed afterward?
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    beyondblue

    beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of … View Profile

    The best thing to do is equip yourself with information about depression and anxiety, and monitor how you are travelling in relation to thsigns and symptoms. Beyondblue has a booklet “emotional health and wellbeing” during pregnancy and following which provides a great overview. The next thing is to look after yourself physically (good diet and gentle exercise) and emotionally. many women in my experience (especially first time mums) have very high ideals and expectations that this is going to be such a wonderful experience. It can be, but it can also be very challenging at times, and its important to check with yourself that your expectations are realistic, and identify people that you can talk to, honestly. Most importantly, if you do feel that you are struggling, speak up, ask for help and support (don't feel you have to be super mum) and make the most of your appointments with your health professional to reflect on how things are for you. Good luck for the journey ahead. Get rest when you can and loom after yourself….that way you are also looking after your baby.

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    Dr Melanie Strang

    Counsellor

    I agree that being well informed about the symptoms of depression and anxiety is a great head start. The Parent and Infant Research Institute ( The Austin Hopital, Melbourne) did a study recently which showed that parents who are prepared for parenthood tend to have less depression and feel more competent.
    You can read about it here:
    http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327%2810%2900674-9/abstract
    Making sure you accept as much help as possible, building networks with like minded women and organising a way to get some time out to yourself on a regular basis will be helpful.

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    Dr Bronwyn Leigh

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Dr Bronwyn Leigh is a clinical and health psychologist and Director of Perinatal Psychology, a private practice specialising in psychological services to parents, infants, couples … View Profile

    I commend your desire to look after yourself and your family by exploring preventive measures for PND.  I also hope this is not causing undue anxiety for you.  In her post, Melanie provided a link to some research about psychological preparedness for parenthood.  The research was based on providing an antenatal intervention for parents, and this intervention is available as a ‘self-help’ guidebook: ‘Towards Parenthood: Preparing for the Changes and Challenges of a New Baby’ .  It aims to strengthen the couple relationship and the relationship between parent and infant.  It provides skills in coping, problem-solving and baby care to assist parents emotionally transition.  It was developed for those in pregnancy and the first year postpartum.  More information and availability here: http://towardsparenthood.org.au/about-us
     
    At core, having a baby is about forming and developing a new relationship.  One of the psychological challenges for parents in the first year is to get to know their baby as the unique little person that they are, while providing a sensitive, warm environment where the parent is physically and emotionally present for her baby. So, in addition to the advice already suggested, I would add:
     
    Learn to tolerate uncertainty…
    A baby brings uncertainty in many forms and that can bring anxiety.  Learning to tolerate and ‘sit with’ uncertainty can help.  Anticipate and accept that there will be many times when you don’t know what to do.
     
    Delight in your baby…
    At times when you feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do, bring the focus back to your relationship with your baby.  Delight in him or her!  Take pleasure in the simple things together and share moments of joy, even if there are many difficult and unsettled moments in the day.

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