Influence of behaviour, attitudes and childrearing on the development of the child in mothers with postpartum depression

Abstract

Introduction. Various studies find an association between the postpartum depression and child development; nevertheless, it exists few uniformity in the method in which are accomplished these.The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of the postpartum depression on the development of the children during the first 28 months.Also, it is studied the childrearing of the mother, as possible mechanism for which exercises this influence.

Method. Longitudinal and prospective study of 205 primiparous women and their children.The definitive sample understands 23 depressed women and 37 belonging to the group control that they are followed during the first 28 months postpartum.

Results. It is obtained a 13.5% from women with postpartum depression.The duration of the depression is related to a childrearing characterized by a under affection and care.The childrearing low in affection is associated negatively with the cognitive and social development of the son during the first year of life.The association of a greater duration of the depression with a childrearing low in affected during the first year has a negative effection on the cognitive development of the son to the 28 months.

Conclusions. The mothers with postpartum depression accomplish a childrearing on their children characterized by a lower affection and care.The variable that more weigh develops on the development of the child during the period of study is the childrearing low in affection.