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Maternal Mental Health

It is common for mothers post partum to experience the baby blues, more scientifically referred to as post partum depression (PPD). Post partum depression is defined by Wikipedia Encyclopedia as, "a form of major depression for which treatment is widely recommended, and highly effective."
Due to the physical, mental, emotional and social stresses on a woman post-birth, combined with the sleep deprivation of parenting a newborn and the plummeting hormonal changes; new mothers are "set up" to experience PND (Post Natal Depression, also known as PPD or Post-Partum Depression) . Depression and anxiety are common emotions felt by primiparas as well as multiparas. Post partum depression can be triggered or worsened by a mothers anxiety about her capabilities in raising her child properly. It is detrimental to both mom and babe in that mothers anxiety increases and babies will sometimes present with slight minfestations. Veddovi et. al. (2004) found that, "Being a first born infant who was more sleepy and drowsy was associated with subsequent higher maternal parenting stress." (Veddovi et. Al., 2004, p.580).
An excellent and easy preventative action for post partum depression, that a mother can do is 'rooming-in'. This is where the mother and baby co-habitate the same room for the duration of their hospital stay, as well as in the home. It allows time for the mother and child to spend together, as well as has physiolgical calming affects on both mom and babe. "Rooming-in may have other long-term benefits for mothers and babies. Studies suggest that rates of abuse, neglect, and separation are lower for mothers who have frequent and extended contact with their newborns during the early postpartum period."(Crenshaw, Klaus, and Klaus, 2004, p.37).

Nutrition

"Pregnant and lactating women form one of the most vulnerable segments of the population from a nutrition point of view" (Ramachandran, 2002. p. 1). While pregnant, the mother needs to meet her own nutrition requirements along with the growing fetus' requirements. Low dietary intake can have dangerous consequences on the growing fetus. There is an increase in energy needs (aka caloric intake) for the body during pregnancy. Some reasons for this include: higher body weight, faster basal metabolic rate (rate at which body burns calories), and the physiologic changes occuring in the mother's body as well as the fetus. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that mothers increase their caloric intake by 300kcal, and 10-15g of this should include protein. Along with nutritional intake, physical activity becomes a key factor as well in overall maternal health status. "The crucial factor that determines the maternal nutrition status and outcome of pregnancy is neither the dietary intake nor the physical work done during pregnancy, but the energy deficit caused by the gap between energy intake and energy expenditure" (Ramachandran, 2002, p. 5).


Nutritional value is just as important as caloric intake. General guidelines to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth include the following:
  • During pregnancy, a variety of foods should be incorporated into your diet, with emphasis on vegetables, fruits & grains (the healthy stuff) to ensure a sufficient supply of basic nutrients
  • The diet should also include low-fat dairy products and lean meat.
  • Several small meals instead of three large ones may be better to decrease morning sickness, or nausea the woman experiences, as well as alleviate her from feeling too full too soon after meals, which is common
  • Caffeine and excess salt should be limited, and alcohol avoided
  • Pregnant women are encouraged to participate in moderate exercise after consulting with their physician or midwife. Some suggested types of exercise include swimming, walking, hiking. Exercise should increase the womans sense of well-being and maintaining her general overall health. Pregnant women who exercise regularly tend to enjoy their pregnancy more. Exercise may also reduce the stress of the delivery for both the mother and baby.
  • The U.S. National Academy of Science recommends a vitamin and mineral supplement that contains the following: 30 mg iron 15 mg zinc 2 mg copper 250 mg calcium (600 mg for women younger than age 25 and for those whose daily intake of calcium is less than 600 mg) 2 mg vitamin B6 3 mg folate 5 micrograms vitamin D (10 micrograms for women who do not drink vitamin D-fortified milk, have minimal exposure to sunlight, or are vegan) 2 micrograms of vitamin B12 for women who are vegan (Healthcommunities.com, 2004)