WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsUW researchers: Omega-3s may prevent Postpartum Depression

UW researchers: Omega-3s may prevent Postpartum Depression

MADISON (WKOW) -- Some pregnant women see the joy of childbirth fade into weeks or months of negative attitudes that can have a negative impact on her relationships with her newborn and partner.

In fact, according to Dr. Roseanne Clark, up to 80 percent of women suffer from what's called "postpartum blues." Those "blues" are caused by a lack of sleep, changes in hormone levels and other factors.

If the problem lasts for longer than two weeks, the mother could actually be suffering from postpartum depression, which requires an evaluation by a mental health professional.

"Formal screening for postpartum depression by ob/gyn and family practice physicians and pediatricians is very important," Clark says. "You can't tell just by looking."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, postpartum depression affects 10 to 15 percent of mothers within the first year of giving birth. The rate of postpartum depression is much higher for teen mothers and mothers with less than 12 years of education, women living in poverty, and mothers who have been victims of physical abuse.

Now, evidence shows boosting omega-3 fatty acid intake could prevent postpartum blues and postpartum depression.

"Women in this country are going into pregnancy omega-3-fat deficient," says Dr. Jill Mallory, a family–medicine physician who uses integrative-medicine approaches in her practice.  "Babies are little sponges that suck omega-3 out of women because the fats are used for brain and eye development. Trying to prevent that depletion up front is the key."

Clark, who directs a National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) funded study of postpartum depression treatment, says group psychotherapy sessions involving the mother, her infant, and the infant's father have been beneficial in treating women with the disorder.

"Individual therapy can be helpful, but we found that when mothers are involved in therapy groups where they discuss their experience of depression with other mothers, that they feel validated, greater understanding and an increased sense of social support, according to women who have participated," she says.

Women with postpartum depression who are in group therapy also tend to continue with therapy for the disorder instead of dropping out. Women involved in individual psychotherapy are more likely to drop out.

"Husbands and partners have their own sessions where they discuss their experience of their partner's depression, their own needs, those of their baby and partner and how they can offer empathy and support to her," says Clark. "We think it's important to treat the relationships as well as the depression."

In group therapy, women learn how to provide the attention and care their infant requires while also attending to their own needs. They also learn ways to reduce symptoms of anxiety, which can accompany depression in the postpartum period.

"Women often feel guilty if they are not joyful or playful towards their baby because they are depressed," says Clark.  "Following the mothers' group therapy session, mothers meet with their babies in a mother-infant therapy group in which we use music, songs, infant massage and baby games to support the mother in trying enjoyable ways of interacting with her baby despite her low mood. The focus is on improving the relationship between mother and child as well as addressing the mother's need for emotional support and her sense of competence in the mothering role."

In more severe cases, mothers can be prescribed medication, especially if mothers have thoughts of hurting themselves or their babies. Clark says in these instances, friends and relatives should listen to the mother's needs and encourage her to get help immediately. Friends and family should also make sure she is not left alone with the baby or other children if she doesn't feel safe.

"Many mothers are afraid to confide in loved ones, and this may leave them feeling isolated because they think their babies could be taken away if they share the thoughts they are having," she says.

Thoughts might consist of obsessive ruminations about harm being inflicted on her baby or may even be psychotic symptoms like voices telling her to hurt her child. About one percent of mothers experience postpartum psychosis. In both cases, women should be seen immediately for psychiatric or psychological evaluations by a provider that has experience in postpartum mood disorders.

Clark says symptoms of postpartum depression often subside within three to four months as psychotherapy and, if needed, medication start to work.

"By then, women are aware of possible triggers that may be contributing to their postpartum depression and have learned effective strategies for coping such as being with others who are supportive, exercise and time for themselves and activities that they enjoy and a greater sense of competence as a mother." says Clark. 

Dr. Clark is a psychologist and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Online reporting by Lisa Adams
Email me at ladams@wkowtv.com
Follow me on Twitter: @ladams_wkow