Postpartum Depression

As the title suggests, Postpartum Depression is another form of depression. But what has it got to do with communication? It impairs the vital mother-infant bond by jeopardizing the communications between them.


You see, the whole process of giving birth is a blessed one. It is a holy event, in which a new life is transcended into this world. But, it is very taxing, for the mother and the child. In which happens to almost 5- 25 % of women, postpartum depression gets the better of the mother.

Has anyone ever wondered why when a baby is born, the baby is always put directly above the mothers chest? This is because its important that the baby is able to detect the mothers heartbeat. This, in its own form, is the first communication between the baby and the mother.

Even in Frederick Leboyer's gentle birthing technique, he states that the sound of the heartbeat gives the baby a sense of familiarity. This is to help the newborn as he stages he's grand entrance into the new world.

For mothers who suffer from postpartum depression, they refuse to talk, to touch, to even be near the newborn baby. This, if not treated properly, could result in massive personality disfigurements to the baby. The mother needs to communicate to the baby through the sense of touch, the sense of sound.

This is feedbacked by the child through the rooting response. The next time someone gives birth, go to the baby and slightly apply little pressure on one cheek of the baby. You will notice that the baby would turn his head towards the area touched with his mouth opened.

This video demonstrates this phenomenon.



Thank you and have a lovely morning.

K.Reshan a/l Kalaarajan
B0801442