Postnatal Depression Awareness Week 2014
Postnatal Depression Awareness Week is 16 – 22 November 2014. Actually, many are referring to PND as Perinatal Depression, since it can affect both antenatal (before birth) and postnatal (after birth) mothers.
Parenthood can be stressful, most parents experience some form of anxiety. Parenthood especially new parenthood can be a very anxious time. It is not something you can really prepare for. In fact 1-7 Women and 1-10 Men experience Postnatal Anxiety or Depression. They need help and support from others. And encouragement that this is a medical condition for which treatment is available. Luckily there is a lot of support available from many organizations – if you know who to call!
I work part time with the Gidget Foundation on a program that seeks to detect early signs of, or increased risk factors for PND, so that help and preventive measures can be taken.
Baby massage can be helpful for both babies and mothers with PND. Mothers with PND often have problems interacting with their babies. they can be withdrawn, disengaged, not playing or smiling with their baby, as a result the babies can become distressed and cry more which only makes the situation worse.
Baby massage is something enjoyable that is easy to learn and benefits both mother and child. Making eye contact and chatting to your baby is much easier when you are massaging. It also helps you to learn to read their cues and learn to respond to them, all the while communicating with them through touch which is their first language. Regular massage helps you to gain confidence in your parenting skills. This helps you to relax and in turn helps your baby to relax.
If you feel you would like some support, or know of someone who might, many organizations can be of help to you.
If you would like to know more about baby massage and PND please feel free to contact me. I would love to help.
Marilyn
Here are some links for Perinatal Depression. Google it yourself and you’ll find more!
