• parenting

    Postpartum Depression and Positive Parenting Practices

    How does postpartum depression affect a mother’s ability to care for and parent her child?  Various studies have demonstrated that depressed mothers may be less attuned to their children’s needs, either being less responsive to the baby or, in some cases, too intrusive.  Researchers have speculated that this mismatch between mother and baby may contribute to problems with infant bonding, delays in development and emotional dysregulation.

    Childhood Abuse: A Risk Factor for Bonding and Parenting Difficulties

    Multiple studies have demonstrated that childhood maltreatment is associated with subsequent difficulties.  Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed parenting behaviors in women with a history of childhood abuse and neglect (n?=?97) and a healthy control comparison group (n?=?53).  Participants were assessed at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 6 months postpartum. At 6 months, a home visit was conducted and  mothers and infants participated in a dyadic play interaction later coded for positive parenting behaviors by blinded raters.

    Go to Top