In a message dated 2/24/2005 1:08:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

I feel  this is a topic that needs to be
researched more thoroughly to see what we,  as caregivers, can do to help
prevent it from  occurring.



Heather, this is a great topic and I am sure you will get a few  responses.  
I highlighted your comment above because you imply that  postpartum depression 
can be prevented.  I would beg to differ you with  that thought.  Any 
depression, diagnosed early and treated correctly can  have a very good outcome and 
resolution.  I would suggest approaching this  topic with the hypothesis that 
early detection can lead to better  outcomes.
On one of the articles you sited, you stated that breastfeeding  difficulties 
could be a cause of postpartum depression. 
 
    >There have been many studies conducted which  compare postpartum
depression to the duration of breastfeeding.  Is it  the breastfeeding
that is causing the depression?  Many women have  feelings of distress
due to their difficulties during the breastfeeding  process
(Schakespeare, Blake, Garcia, 2004).  Mothers may feel  inadequate, or as
if they are bad mothers, because they are unable to  "properly provide"
for their newborns.  This increased stress could be  the cause, or may
add to, these mothers' depressed feelings and may cause  mothers to
possibly experience negative feelings toward their baby.   However,
proper and thorough assistance with breastfeeding may lead to  decreased
problems and feelings of inadequacy.  This may be one of the  most
important steps that can be taken to prevent postpartum  depression.<
 
I do agree that any difficulty postpartum could exacerbate depression and  no 
mother should have to deal with breastfeeding difficulties without any  
assistance.
I do not have the reference but from lectures I have attended there is  
theories that the hormones involved with breastfeeding actually help mother with  
postpartum depression and they should not be encouraged to wean at this time or 
 separate mother from baby.
Looking forward to what others have to contribute.
Good luck.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA 



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