All issues > Volume 48(5); 2005

Clinical Lecture

Korean J Pediatr. 2005;48(5):469-475. Published online May 15, 2005.

The Effects of Postpartum Depression on the Development of Children

Esook ES Oh¹

¹Oh's Pediatric Clinic, Department of Education, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Esook ES Oh ,Email: ohyes@pednet.co.kr

Abstract

Mother-infant interaction is a crucial component of an infant's cognitive, emotional and behavioral development. Most people are preoccupied with fetal education, the physical conditions of the postpartum mother and baby, and emphasizing an early start in the child's education. However, the effects of a mother's postnatal emotional state on the development of the infant are often overlooked. Postpartum depression is a significant health problem affecting 10-20 percent of new mothers. Recent research findings indicate that the suffering caused by postpartum depression is not limited to these mothers alone; their babies and close family members are vulnerable to short-term and long-term effects as well. This review summarizes the findings of recent research works, in the light of publications within the last seven years.

Keywords :Postpartum depression , Development of infant and children