Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. In developing countries this is even higher, i.e. 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after child birth. In severe cases mothers’ suffering might be so severe that they may even commit suicide. In addition, the affected mothers cannot function properly. As a result, the children’s growth and development may be negatively affected as well. Maternal mental disorders are treatable. Effective interventions can be delivered even by well-trained non-specialist health providers. [WHO. Maternal Mental Health. Nov. 2020.Web]
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https://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/maternal_mental_health/en/ (International)
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https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/pregnancy-and-new-parents/maternal-mental-health-and-wellbeing (Australia)
- https://nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz/our-services/maternity/specialty-and-complex-care/aronui-ora-maternal-mental-health-service/ (New Zealand)
Four New Zealand women’s stories and how they got through their perinatal distress: