Postpartum depression (PPD) is a debilitating condition that affects about one in seven new mothers [1]. Many have described it to be like an out-of-body experience [2], where instead of bonding with their new bundles of joy, mothers don't feel like themselves and go through bouts of depression and rage [3]. While all that can be difficult enough to go through, a new study has found that PPD [4] could have lasting effects not just on mothers, but on the whole family unit.
Although there have been a number of studies about PPD [5] impacting a mother's initial ability to bond with her baby [6], a study conducted by The University of Kent found that a mother's ability to connect with her child is even more far-reaching than previously thought. After surveying 305 women, it was found that as the severity of a mother's PPD increased, the quality of that mother's relationship with her child decreased.
This lack of closeness stretched well beyond adolescence and was also made worse for those mothers who experienced additional bouts of depression. The survey's results also found that women who were made grandmothers by the child that they experienced PPD with were less emotionally connected to that grandchild as well.
The researchers hope [8] that their findings will encourage additional studies about PPD and that this research will urge women to seek help right away when the initial signs of PPD begin. Considering that the emotional connection between not just mother and child, but also grandmother and grandchild, is at stake, getting help and seeking preventative measures is so important.