Self Esteem Is A Positive Or Negative Feeling About One 's Self

Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbearing with an estimated prevalence of 19.2% in the first three months after delivery (1). Depressive episodes (major and mild) may be experienced by approximately half of women during the first postpartum year (1). Characterized by depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interest in daily activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, irritability, sleep and eating disturbances (2), its etiology is multi-faceted and complex (3;4).

Thesis: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can greatly effect new mothers. Knowing how to recognize their symptoms and treating it can greatly increase chances of a healthy, happy living.

Most people face self esteem problems at different levels. At some point in life people face this problem without realizing it. In the essay The Trouble with Self-Esteem written by Lauren Slater starts of by demonstrating a test. Self esteem test that determines whether you have a high self-esteem or low self-esteem. The question to be answered however is; what is the value and meaning of self-esteem? The trouble with self-esteem is that not everyone approaches it properly, taking a test or doing research based of a certain group of people is not the way to do so.

Often the time after birth is a filled with joy and happiness due to the arrival of a new baby. However, for some mothers the birth of a baby leads to some complicated feelings that are unexpected. Up to 85% of postpartum woman experience a mild depression called “baby blues” (Lowdermilk, Perry, Cashion, & Alden, 2012). Though baby blues is hard on these mothers, another form of depression, postpartum depression, can be even more debilitating to postpartum woman. Postpartum depression affects about 15% (Lowdermilk et al., 2012) of postpartum woman. This disorder is not only distressing to the mother but to the whole family unit. This is why it is important for the nurse to not only recognize the signs and symptoms of a mother with postpartum depression, but also hopefully provide preventative care for the benefit of everyone involved.

Postpartum psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, has become the most underdiagnosed complication in the United States. It can lead to increased costs of medical care, inappropriate medical care, child abuse and neglect, discontinuation of breastfeeding, and family dysfunction and adversely affects early brain development (Earls, 2010). Over 400,000 infants are born to mothers that are depressed. One of 7 new mothers (14.5%) experience depressive episodes that impair maternal role function. An episode of major or minor depression that occurs during pregnancy or the first 12 months after birth is called perinatal or postpartum depression (Wisner, Chambers & Sit, 2006). Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others (Postpartum Depression). The six stages of postpartum are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance and PTSD. These stages may affect any women regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or economic status. However only a physician can diagnose a woman with postpartum depression. It does not occur because of something a mother does or does not do, it’s a combination of physical and emotional factors. After childbirth, the levels of hormones in a woman’s body quickly drop; which may lead to chemical changes in her brain (Postpartum Depression). Unbalanced hormones may trigger mood swings.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 20 people suffer from depression (2014). Although widely recognized and somewhat easy to diagnose, depression is an ignored and almost hidden, disease. In women, the statistics are especially grim for those who are pregnant or were recently pregnant. A great number of women suffer from postpartum depression; an illness which is often overlooked, misdiagnosed and untreated. Postpartum depression (PPD) has been defined as an emotional disorder that occurs in an estimated 10-15% of all women after childbirth (Liberto, 2010). Postpartum depression not only impacts the mother, but can cause long-term psychological challenges for the baby and create emotional turmoil for all family members.

Postpartum Depression is important because too often it affects the mother, her spouse, and the newborn child. This affects the relationship between the mother and child based on Erikson’s Psychosocial developmental Theory and the idea of trust vs. mistrust. If the child’s basic needs are not met that could lead to mistrust, anxiety, and insecurities. This could also lead to Reactive Attention Disorder, where the neglect a child experiences leads to difficulty making relationships. It’s also found to be more likely in mothers of colicky babies because if the child cries a lot the mothers are less likely to make an emotional connection.

Postpartum depression in a common experience for newer mothers to have after childbirth. It is meant to last only a few days but can extend for a few months if it is severe. It is thought that it is caused by extreme hormonal shifts in the body after childbirth. If not treated in time, it has a potential chance harm the mother or the child. It is important that the mother feels appreciated and respected during this time. This article will help by giving further information in postpartum depression and further help the claims of how gender roles can further depression.

There are times when new mothers are misdiagnosed and are given a lesser form of this depression. This is called having the baby blues, which is when a new mother experience’s mood swings, and anxiety. These symptoms can last one or two weeks after giving birth, where postpartum depression can continue on for months at a time. Even with baby blues having such a shorter time frame even after 2 weeks’ these new mothers are not being diagnosed correctly. In Mental Heath of Teen Mom Matters, Shiloh gives her experience “My son was crying and it was like the noise of scratching a chalkboard” (Reese p. 1) A new mom can face all these difficulties and my feel as though they do not have a maternal attachment to their

Depression, in general, affects more than 340 million people around the world and is reported to be the highest cause of disability in high-income countries (Demissie). 15% to 85% of mothers can experience postpartum “blues” with postpartum depression rates between 11.7% and 20.4% in the United States alone (Ersek). This depression can occur at anytime from post-delivery up to one year (Ersek).

“Postpartum depression affects 10% to 20% of women after delivery, regardless of maternal age, race, parity, socioeconomic status, or level of education”.( Consise) Postpartum depression is a major depression episode that occurs after childbirth affecting not only the mother but also the child and family members. After the delivery of the placenta extending for about six weeks this is considered as as the postpartum period. This a critical period for the mother and new born physiological and psychological because the woman’s body is returning to a non-pregnant state in which hormones, sleep parttters, emotions and relationship are changing. Therefore, up to 80% of mothers experience the "baby blues during the first week in which

The birth of a baby can trigger powerful emotions such as joy, excitement, maybe some fear and anxiety. But it can also trigger something you did not expect –depression. The depression is called postpartum depression, or also known as postnatal depression, it’s a type of depression that can affect both the mother and the father. This is most likely to happen after giving birth or up to a year later. But it usually occurs within the first three months after delivery. Postpartum depression doesn’t actually have a specific cause but it is mostly caused by the anxiety of the responsibilities of parenthood. (Mayo Clinic Staff)

Pregnancy and birth are both major changes in the lives of women everywhere. These events can be overwhelming, and can lead many women to experience feelings of depression, which can result in postpartum depression, a serious condition that can adversely affect the health of mother and child. The following PowerPoint aims to help educate women on the symptoms and causes of postpartum depression, and how to differentiate it from the normal feelings that can occur with childbirth. Finally, it seeks to provide resources to women for diagnosis, treatment, and support.

The problem this article looks at is postpartum depression, specifically with first-time mothers at risk. First time mothers may have a greater risk because of their expectations coupled with lack of experience. First time mothers also may have a “Super Mom” attitude toward motherhood and may not ask for or admit to needing help, they will try to do it all. Many women suffer from postpartum depression after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition which can stem from hormonal changes, the psychological adjustment to motherhood, fatigue, as well as a host of other factors.

After reading this chapter on Prenatal Development and Birth, I believe that most women may encounter: baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. I feel that problems are found around the society and probably reflect hormonal changes following child birth. A mother sometimes experience lots of stress during pregnancy that will play a role in this situation. I feelings that having high self-esteem and social help women manage and adjust to adjustment to some problems. Some have noticed that this normally begins about a month after delivery and linger for weeks. Their common symptoms during this period are: fluctuating mood, tears; irritability and anxiety. As in other major depressive disorder, it is characterized by: serious sadness, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, feeling of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and major changes in appetite and sleep patterns. I have seen that some mother will show obsessive concern with the well-being of their babies at this time. I have seen that it can also interfere with the mother-baby