Childbirth is a biologically natural occurrence, in many species, people often call it beautiful and miraculous. However, the pain, as my mother describes it is the “most unnatural, ungodly pain” she’s has ever experienced. So, why then isn’t it talked about within the mental health sphere that much? Is it because everyone, and their mother (literally) has done it since the beginning of time?
I, for one, reject the hypothesis that there’s no use complaining because something is “natural”. Or to look forward to physical and mental trauma for the sake of the baby. We as women go through a lot. Periods that can debilitate us, and cause death. Menopause has so many symptoms it’s mind boggling, and childbirth. 9 months of exhaustion and excruciating pain, for what? Post birth bodies we should be “ashamed” of, and a new being to shape into a functional person!
Now that I’ve ranted about the few of many problems women face biologically (don’t even get me started on the social ones), I’d like to tap into something that needs a lot more attention. Post-natal depression. These are major depressive episodes that occur after childbirth. Hendrick (2003) states that in a study of 214 women, 86 reported “high levels of depressive symptoms”, but researched only acknowledged 29% as accurate. Hendrick proceeds to tell how underdiagnosis can harm the mother and the child. Although, 22 years later studies show that 1 in every 10 mothers will experience some form of it within a year of childbirth (NHS,2025).
In 2014 researchers noted that 13% of women worldwide developed post-natal depression within the first 3 months.
The triggers can develop from chronic life, stress, father abandonment and when the individual already have a history of depression (Hahn-Holbrook, Hasselton, 2014). Hahn-Holbrook and Hasselton (2014) formulated the idea of mismatch-hypothesis, in basic terms, that modern lifestyles do not match the traditional environments we are biologically adapted to. Not to mention modern media for a start, there are so many examples of mothers with post-natal depression harming their children in dramas and literature.
Let’s set the record straight on that, Postpartum Support International assures us “there is NO direct correlation between infanticide, abuse or neglect and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.”. Even post-natal psychosis symptoms don’t contain “violent commands” in many cases (PSI). I highly doubt there is one person on this planet who hasn’t experienced intrusive thoughts of any kind. So if you are having these, trust that things are not going to play out the way your brain is telling you it will. Don’t harbour guilt for how you think you feel. What I’m trying to say is that there are so many varying causes. Way too little research, and not enough accurate media coverage on the issue. Just know that 13% is a lot, and you aren’t alone.
So, how would you go about identifying if this term fits you, and is something you’d like to seek help for? If you’re in the UK, NHS can help identify issues and guide you towards help. The forms of treatment range from self-help and therapy to medication. The NHS also have a peri-natal health team you can be referred to, moreover, while waiting you can also contact charities. These include PANDAS, Mothers for Mothers (also offer support for dad/partner), Mind and a lot more. It isn’t something to be embarrassed about. For the good of you and those around you, seek help, become your biggest supporter. Hold you own hand, and if you’ll allow it, a lot of other people would love to hold your hand too.
P.S. if you are looking for a group of other mothers to learn from and speak to, I have included a link to Mumsnet. Though, remember to take everything with a pinch of salt. Remember online trolls sadly exist, and trust your healthcare professional first and foremost.
Written by Gia Leigh