Tips for Growing Your Baby's Brain
Developed by Kevin Karpowicz, M.D., Schenectady, New York
Tip #9: Treat Depression Early
If you are feeling down, don't wait. Talk to your doctor about it and ask for help. The depression you have now can have lasting effects on the development of your baby's brain.
- The baby blues, post-partum depression. Many mothers feel sad and drained after the birth of a baby. If depression or sadness sticks around, keeps coming back, or becomes overwhelming – it can cause serious harm to your baby.
- Sad mothers often have trouble responding to their babies in healthy ways, simply because they feel so bad. We know that infants of depressed mothers may develop “depressed brains,” which means they will become sad children. We also know that when moms are depressed during the first 6 months of a baby's life, attachment – or bonding – becomes more difficult. Babies with insecure attachments can experience trouble throughout childhood.
- This can include:
- impulsive behavior
- trouble concentrating
- frequent accidents
- trouble trusting and loving others
