Although new mothers describe breastfeeding as a meaningful and fulfilling aspect of caring for their infants, breastfeeding is also a common source of stress and anxiety. Breastfeeding self-efficacy or BSE refers to a mother’s confidence [...]
Medical conditions with a postpartum flare pattern – including postpartum thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis – have an etiology related to immune system dysregulation. Earlier this year, we reviewed an article suggesting that some cases [...]
About 15% of women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). It appears, however, that women with PPD constitute a heterogeneous population. Â One difference that we observe clinically is that a subgroup of women with PPD experience [...]
For decades, researchers have postulated a connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression (PPD). However, the research examining the association between postpartum depression and breastfeeding has been somewhat difficult to interpret. Â While many believe that breastfeeding [...]
![By Vera Kratochvil [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://womensmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Mother_Kissing_Baby-320x202.jpg)
About ten years ago, we ran a collaborative project with our obstetrics department here at MGH where we screened all new mothers for postpartum depression. Â The screening went well. Â Nearly all the women completed the [...]
Stressful life events occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period have consistently been identified as a risk factor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Â While we have instruments to assess for stressful life events and [...]
As a field we have focused primarily on the detection of  perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; however, one should be aware of the growing body of literature that suggests that  certain interventions may actually decrease [...]
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than ever, and many experts are concerned that this deficiency may lead to a wide variety of health problems, including depression. Â The active form of vitamin D is produced [...]
Perinatal depression is defined as depressive illness which emerges during pregnancy (antenatal depression) or following childbirth (postpartum depression). Â We have limited information regarding the genetic basis of perinatal depression, but several studies suggest that the [...]
Meet Christine. Â She is a married 30-year-old woman who just had her first baby about 3 weeks ago. Â While the pregnancy went smoothly, the experience of labor and delivery was difficult. Â After nearly 20 hours [...]
