Post-Partum Depression in Latin American Women - Research Paper Example

? PPD in Latin American Women Overview Postpartum Depression is a medical condition which frequently affects women within the firstfew weeks after delivery. Many women experience anxiety or baby blues immediately after birth which can lead to health complication to the mother and the child. The anxiety can be due to hormonal imbalances after delivery, lack of essential vitamins or new challenges mother may experience. Other risk factors that may increase chances of PPD are smoking, lack of social support, a history of depression, marital status, poor or single life and low income (Rosenfield, 2006). South Bronx is an area well known in United States that was heavily crashed by the Second World War. The war affected all sectors of life, economic, social, political, and cultural and employment. Due to the impact of the war, people in this area live in great poverty and under poor conditions (Sierra, 2008). Q. 2. Since many centuries back, there was a relationship between depression and childbirth. Nowadays, researches have been done and clear evidence that many depression and other mental conditions are as a result of pregnancy. This is in accordance with Latin American Researchers who found out that mood turmoil in women especially depression are related to pregnancy. South Bronx is the poorest district in the United States. Additionally, it is the district that reports many cases of women ailing postpartum depression. Of the total population, 256,544 which represent 38% live below the poverty line. This is in accordance with a report issued by US census Bureau (Sierra, 2008). Reports show that approximately 61% of women experience anxiety after birth and later reduces during the fifth week after childbirth. An average of 13% of women experience PPD which may last for months after delivery Chances of a woman experiencing PPD vary depending with age, background, level of education, history of depression among others. Results of a study done of 892 women from different countries in five continents show that woman from Asia and South American nations have highest levels of PPD (Rosenfield, 2006). Women living in U.S have moderate levels while European and Australia nations have the lowest levels. Among the 4 million women who give birth in America every year, 500,000 experience PPD. Many people living in South America are Latin and black Americans. Majority of Latinos’ and black Americans live in South Bronx, a district known to be lived by people with no prospect of employment (Sierra, 2008). A large population of people has low income while the rest are unemployed. In 2005, 205,000 middle age women were treated with PPD in the United States. The cause of the high rise of postpartum depression in this area in young women is due to lack of financial support, unexpected pregnancies and abandonment (Sierra, 2008). Many young women in south Bronx engage in illegal activities like prostitution, drug trafficking, alcoholism and robbery to earn a living. These are some of the risk factors causing depression which is the cause of PPD. Additionally, poor health conditions is another factor leading to postpartum depression in Latin Americans living in south Bronx. Due to poverty, many women do not receive health assistance during pregnancy and after birth. For those who seek medical assistance, chances are that they receive low quality services due to lack of enough finances. It is normal that during the first few weeks many women experience moody feelings, lose appetite, hopelessness, difficulty in sleeping due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and after birth (Rosenfield, 2006). These feelings are called baby blues which are normal feeling to almost 80% of new mothers. In some cases, these feelings can be persistence leading to serious mental disorders like postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum psychosis. This condition may affect women in their early years (20-30) of reproduction than during the late years. The main reason is unwanted pregnancies, poverty, abortion, complications during pregnancies and during birth and stress of taking up new roles. Many Latin mothers living in poverty have high chances of PPD due to inability to care for the family. According to Latin’s culture, it is the responsibility of a woman to take care of the husband, children and the entire family (Sierra, 2008).This is one reason for the high rise of postpartum depression in Latin Americans in south Bronx. According to Vigod, a medical researcher, women living in urban areas are at a high risk of depression compared to those living in rural areas (Nonacs, 2006). South Bronx district comprise of immigrants from different regions and who live in poverty. This makes African Americas and Latin women in this area to be a risk factor to PPD due to social isolation. Postpartum depression has an adverse effect on child development due to poor relationship between the mother and the child. A child brought up by a depressed mother show slow growth and development process compared to a child brought up by a stress free mother (Rosenfield, 2006). This is because a depressed mother may raise denial strategies that disengage her with the child needs. This strategy affects the mother’s moods negatively making the situation worse. There is a need to provide care and good environment to maintain a healthy condition of the mother and her child. Social support, counseling and maternal connection is important from family members, society and health practitioners. Q. 3. There are many cultural practices related to child bearing depending with tribe, religion, ethnic group and race. Early studies show that postpartum depression was in most cases seen in developed countries than in developing countries. This is because non westernized societies carry out some ritual and customs associated to child bearing and conversion to parenting (Surkan et al., 2006). It is a culture and practices of Latin Americans to provide a period of rest to a new mother after birth. The Latin American practices give the new mother a resting period of forty days of resting known as la cuarentena. The new mother may be provided with flowers, gifts and fruits to show respect and adoration of the mother and her new born. During this period, family members and relatives carry out all her domestic duties. Special and healthy food like tortillas and chicken soup are given to her for quick recovery. In addition, foodstuffs like pork and beans are not allowed as they are considered unhealthy and not fit for a new mother. According to Latin American practices, a new mother should avoid activities that may lead to “bad wind” or risky health complications like bathing and walking without shoes. Experienced mothers provide guidance to new mother on how to take care of the new born and herself. In addition, they assist the new mother assume her duties in an accommodating environment (Simpson & Creehan, 2008). The main cause of postpartum depression being lack of social support, Latin American practices prevent the occurrence of depression by providing support to a new mother. These practices provide moral and social support, guidance, increases self esteem as well as a sense of belonging. New mothers in Latin American community are provided with proper support and guidance during their first month of delivery. Support from relatives and the society at large reduce the chances of a new mother experiencing depression and other health complications after birth. Latin Americans among other communities who uphold their customs and rituals of after birth and transition process have low cases of postpartum depression compared to communities without such practices. Large population of Latin immigrants and who live in south Bronx have abandoned their after birth rituals due to mixed cultures in the area. The role of motherhood is of great significance in Latin culture and inability to perform it increases the chances of PPD in Latin women (Sierra, 2008). This is a cause of high rate of PPD in Latin women in south Bronx and especially young mothers aged between 20-30 years. Additionally, lack of moral support from relatives and family members lead to depression in young Latin mothers. Many researchers have concluded that postpartum cultural practices play a big role to women after delivery (Surkan et al., 2006). Additionally, after the research and study of African American child bearing women, it was concluded that lack of postpartum practices lead to increase in postpartum depression. Q. 4 The awareness of postpartum depression came after emergence of serious cases of suicidal of new mothers and infanticide in America (Simpson & Creehan, 2008). Since this is a mental problem affecting women from all diverse cultures and nations, there is a need to study factors affecting it and strategies of preventing it. This has lead to public interest on ways to reduce such cases by finding the root cause of the problem which is depression. The mostly known cure for PPD is the use of antidepressants, which face many challenges including inadequate evaluation on the effects of the medication on the development of the child. Some of the strategies put in place in relation to postpartum depression are; Moving to Opportunity A project called Moving to Opportunity has been introduced in five United States cities for families living in poverty. The five cities are Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York where south Bronx district is located. This project provides vouchers and counseling to these families to assist them move to better houses in areas with low poverty levels. The main group of people who got assistance is Latin women and Africa American. This move leads to decrease in psychological suffering and diagnosis of depressive cases. The members of common wealth work together with state government and collaborate with non-governmental organizations to create awareness of PPD. This is by writing materials like brochures and magazine relating to postpartum depression and providing them to the public. Non-governmental organizations play a big role on educating people on health issues and factors contributing to depression (Surkan et al., 2006). For example the formulation of Mental Health Policy 1993 was for promoting, advocating, preventing and provision of treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental problem. Working together with learning institutions, public and private organizations are able to deliver message to the public on issues relating to depression. World Health Organization and other health bodies ensure that health staffs are equipped with knowledge on how to handle pregnant women during expectancy period and after delivery. This is one way that has led to the awareness of postpartum depression to the society and unifying people to fight against it (Surkan et al., 2006). The used of brochures was effective since it is cheap and accessible in health institutions and government agencies. Early intervention There is provision of accurate information on how to prevent family violence in immigrants’ communities and vulnerable groups (Nonacs, 2006). This information assists in reducing violence on women and sexual child abuse which can lead to early and unwanted pregnancies. Health professionals like nurses, practitioners and physicians are provided with proper knowledge and skills on how to deal with depression. This includes identifying vulnerable groups like women in their primary reproductive level and women with history of depression (Surkan et al., 2006). In addition, attention should be paid to women who have experienced depression during their growth and development. In case nurses and physicians come across a severe case, they refer the client to mental health professional who provides care and treatment to the patient. Expectant mothers are provided with adequate knowledge on how to overcome depression in early stages (Gustave-Bochner, 2008). They get to know stressors and how to cope with stressing situations during and after birth. Management and treatment Postpartum depression is as a result of hormonal changes like estrogen which speedy drops after child birth and stress as new mothers take new roles. Therefore, a combination of hormonal treatment, counseling and anti-depressant can be used to manage PPD. Additionally, new mothers should share experiences and feelings with other new mothers. This will help new mothers control and overcome after birth emotions and baby blues which leads to PPD. Good communication like use of polite and convincing language is another measure being used to pass information. Expectant mothers, relatives, family members and the society are provided with information that will help in managing depression to young mothers and the community at large. Additionally, family members are advised on how to handle new mothers and the child during the first weeks after delivery. These enhance moral support and guidance to new mothers as a way of reducing stress. Q5. Since there is no predicted cure for postpartum depression, the government should provide finance, food and clothing to new mothers especially those living in slums. Baby clothing, food staff and financial support will ensure women from poor background have the necessities for themselves and the child. This will reduce health problems related to poor diet and mental stressors to new mothers as they take care of their new born. In addition, the number of depression cases will reduce as many cases of PPD are from mothers from poor background and who live in adverse poverty. Counseling, prenatal and post natal care should be provided at zero charges to ensure that women seek assistance whenever there is need. Other than provision of counseling, health care providers should make follow-up of pregnant women before and after birth. This will help in monitoring their physical and psychological progress to detect signs and symptoms of depression at early stages. In case a mother raises complications during pregnancy or after birth, proper medication and treatment should be carried out. This will reduce chances of mothers experiencing mental problems after child bearing. In addition, they will have a sense of belonging which is a factor contributing to depression. It is recommended to have counseling sessions to both parents of the child. This is to ensure that the husband will provide good care and support of the mother and the newborn during pregnancy and after birth. Additionally, factors causing family conflicts like alcoholism and drug abuse will be reduced to manageable level. References Gustave-Bochner, B. (2008). Changes in Depression, Anxiety and Subjective Well-being Among New Mothers in a Professionally Facilitated Support Group. New York: New York University Nonacs, R. (2006). A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years. New York: Simon and Schuster, Rosenfield, A. (2006). New Research on Postpartum Depression. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishers Sierra, J. (2008). Risk Factors Related to Postpartum Depression in Low-income Latina Mothers. New York: ProQuest Simpson, K. & Creehan, P. (2008). Perinatal Nursing. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Surkan, P., et al. (2006). The role of social networks and support in postpartum women's depression. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 10, 4: 375-383. Walsh, J. (2008). Generalist Social Work Practice: Intervention Methods: Intervention Methods. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning Read More