Postpartum Depression can Adversely Affect Kids’ Growth

Postpartum depression in mothers can lead to shorter height among kids , especially at ages 4 and 5, according a recent insight. The research revealed that children of mothers depressed during the initial nine months after the birth of the child were 40 percent more likely to be at or below the 10th percentile for height at age 4, compared to children born to mothers who were emotionally healthy.

"What we found is that mothers with higher levels of depressive symptoms in the first year postpartum were more likely to have children who were shorter in stature in preschool and kindergarten age," said lead study author Pamela Surkan, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore.

During the crucial phase of development of the child in the first year, depressed mothers may not have the interest to ensure the child feeds well. Disturbed sleep patterns of the mother can also affect the child adversely which can have a negative influence on the bonding and interaction between mother and child. This can adversely hamper the growth of the child, research finds.

"This study points to another reason why it's really important for mothers to get help for depression during the postpartum period."



Source-Medindia