افسردگی مادران و ویژگی های خلق نوزاد

Abstract One hundred-thirty-nine women participated in this longitudinal study from the third trimester of pregnancy through 8-months postpartum. Women completed depression scales at several time points and rated their infant's characteristics and childcare stress at 2- and 6-months postpartum. Mothers’ reports of infant temperament were significantly different for depressed and non-depressed mothers, with depressed mothers reporting more difficult infants at both measurement points. These differences remained after controlling for histories of maternal abuse or prenatal anxiety, which occurred more often in the depressed mothers. There were no significant differences in childcare stress or perceived support between the groups. Infant temperament and childcare stress did not change over time. Recommendations for practice include consistent ongoing evaluations of the “goodness of fit” within the dyad and exploring interventions for depressed mothers that provide guidance about interactions with their infants and the appropriateness of the infant behaviors.

. Conclusions Perceived differences in infant temperament appear to be related to the presence of depression and are not altered by the presence of family support or childcare stress. There were significant differences between the two groups of mothers’ ratings of infant temperament at 2- and 6-months of age, with depressed mothers rating their infants as more difficult than non-depressed mothers. Mothers’ reports of childcare stress did not differ between the depressed and non-depressed groups. There were no significant changes in infant temperament ratings or childcare stress over time. Practice innovations are needed to improve detection of maternal depression during the postpartum period and simultaneous maternal assessment of perceived infant temperament. Expecting that these assessments become part of the well-child visit may not be appropriate; other strategies may need to be considered (Chaudron, Szilagyi, Campbell, Mounts, & McInerny, 2007). Mothers require interventions that will facilitate goodness of fit with their newborns. Such intervention would better support these mother/infant dyads and potentially lessen their risks for negative long-term outcomes. Further research is needed to explore whether the relationships experienced between mother and infants are similar in different ethnic groups and what interventions might be implemented to support mothers and infants during the early postpartum period when mothers are trying to adapt to the new responsibilities a new baby in the family brings.