It’s a Boy! Giving Birth to a Boy May Put You at Risk for Postpartum Depression
Some studies have suggested that in some cultures, where sons are more highly valued, women who give birth to daughters are more vulnerable to postpartum depression; however, a recent French study has reported that women who give birth to sons are more likely to suffer postpartum depression than those having daughters.
The study also found that women who had given birth to a son reported overall lower quality of life, regardless of whether they suffered from postpartum depression. In women who did not have depression, mothers of sons had lower quality of life scores in nine out of the 10 categories, including physical functioning, pain, emotional health, vitality and general health.
Why are the mothers of sons more vulnerable? The reasons are probably complex, but there are several theories:
The study, published in the February issue of Journal of Clinical Nursing, says psychoanalytical theories suggest a mother’s attitude towards her son may be shaped by her relationship with present and past male figures.
There was also the possibility that male babies are seen by presentday mothers as “more difficult”.
“Depressed mothers who are often in difficult marital relationships may respond more negatively to their sons,” the report says.
“This requires further research so as to better apprehend the ways in which the birth of a boy can have - on average - a more damaging effect on the mother’s quality of life than the birth of a girl.”
Posted: February 29th, 2008 under Postpartum Depression.
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