Something that should be thought about during a pregnancy is the continuing happiness and mental health of both parents. I read that depression in either parent can cause a baby to be twice as likely to be colicky and cry excessively.
A lot of people blamed this sort of thing on the mother for a long time, but now it is becoming clear that the father's mental state can affect this as well.
Babies are very sensitive, and can pick up on negativity in their environment. A mother's postpartum depression or father's anxiety can be somewhat traumatic for a baby.
Because of this, the parents need to be on top of their mental state. If something doesn't seem right, they should work together as a team to make it right. Also, I think people need to give the Dads a break. I heard a new Mom make a comment to a friend that her husband "seemed a little low" since the birth. The friend's response was something along the lines of: "He should just be happy he has a healthy new baby, and be taking care of you!"
Excuse me? Adding a baby to the equation is VERY stressful for everyone involved. Since when are men not allowed to be stressed? Since when do we as women have the right to turn our backs on our men's emotional needs when we are the ones who encourage them to emote?
On the same token, men need to understand that postpartum depression and all the stress accompanying pregnancy is very real and can't be shrugged off. If it is ignored, it will just get bigger and grow teeth!
People of the parenting world, please help others understand how important tending to your mental health is during and after pregnancy. That it is crucial for the man, the woman, and the baby. A child's health is at stake here. Why would parents choose to ignore this?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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