September 28, 2008

Mothers bond better with babies after natural births

Doctors from the Child Study Centre at Yale University, who used brain scans to study the brain activity of 20 first-time mothers, found those who had delivered vaginally were more responsive to their baby’s cry two to four weeks after delivery. Those who delivered by Caesarean were less responsive.

For more information read The Independent

September 23, 2008

New American Media Examines Postpartum Depression Among Asian-Indian Women

Research has shown that one in 10 women in the U.S. experience postpartum depression, and “South Asian women — particularly newer immigrants — may be at a higher risk for [postpartum depression], because of difficulties adjusting to a new culture, loneliness, isolation and the lack of a traditional Indian support system,” New America Media reports.

For more information read Medical News Today

Delivery method may affect mother, child bonding

Recently, researchers have become interested in whether the C-section can affect the bonding that occurs between the mother and the baby, especially since some researchers have shown a higher incidence of postpartum depression in this group. To test whether the method of delivery might affect the relationship, Dr. James Swain and colleagues from the Child Study Center at Yale University examined 12 mothers who gave birth either by C-section or natural delivery.

For more information read The Boston Globe

September 15, 2008

Exercise Helps With Body Image, Depression in Pregnancy

Exercise can help expectant moms in mind as well as body. A new study suggests that women who stay active and are more positive about their changing shapes might protect themselves from depression both during and after pregnancy. “Our study supports the psychological benefits of exercise to improve body image and lessen depressive symptoms,” said lead study author Danielle Symons Downs, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology and obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State University.

For more information read Health Behavior News

3 Questions Can Spot Possible Postpartum Depression

A three-item anxiety sub-scale of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale turned out to be a better screening tool than the two other abbreviated versions which are almost the same as the commonly used Patient Health Questionnaire.

For mroe information read Healthday.com