The Maternity Experiences Survey (MES) is a national survey of Canadian women’s experiences, perceptions, knowledge and practices before conception and during pregnancy, birth and the early months of parenthood. This is a project funded by [...]
While we tend to think of sleep deprivation as a postpartum issue, a recent study from Finland indicates that sleep problems are relatively common during pregnancy, for both mothers and fathers. This study included 1667 [...]
The research of Lynne Murray and Peter Cooper in the 1990s was pivotal in terms of demonstrating the negative effects of postpartum depression on the cognitive development of young children and played an important role [...]
Recent studies have shown that pregnancy and childbirth are frequently associated with the onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Â While most women do not have the full set of symptoms to meet diagnostic criteria for [...]
The importance of postpartum depression, both in terms of its prevalence and the need for appropriate screening and effective treatments, has become an increasingly important area of focus for clinicians, patients, and policymakers. This derives [...]
Phytoestrogens are weak plant-derived estrogens that are structurally similar to estrogen hormones produced by the body. Â The phytoestrogens contained in soy-based products are called isoflavones. Â Because they have estrogenic activity, soy isoflavones have long been [...]
We commonly receive questions regarding the potential effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) on mood and risk for depression. Â Despite the prevalence of OC usage, few studies have explored the association between hormonal contraceptive [...]
In the earliest studies, postpartum depression was described an episode of depression associated with childbirth, typically emerging within the first three months after delivery. Â As more research has been carried out, we have learned that [...]
In early studies designed to identify specific risk factors for postpartum depression, unplanned pregnancy was identified as a relatively weak predictor of postpartum depression. Â But there are many different types of unplanned pregnancy. For example, [...]
 As we move toward universal screening for perinatal depression, one of our most significant challenges will be to evaluate and deliver care to the women who are identified as being depressed.  It is discouraging [...]
