A research study in China has reported that fewer women suffered postnatal depression if they had an epidural during labour. Investigators assessed 214 mothers at three days, and again at six weeks, following the birth of their children. It was found that postnatal depression occurred in 14% of those who had received the spinal block and nearly 35% of those who did not, over double the amount of women.
In an editorial accompanying the study, perinatal psychiatrist at Northwestern Medicine, Katherine Weisner, said, "It's a huge omission that there has been almost nothing in postpartum depression research about pain during labour and delivery and postpartum depression. There is a well-known relationship between acute and chronic pain and depression." She continued, "Pain control gets the mother off to a good beginning rather than starting off defeated and exhausted. Whether it's vaginal or Cesarean section delivery, pain control postpartum is an issue for all new mothers. There is no way to have a delivery without pain. The objective here is to avoid severe pain. Controlling that delivery pain so a woman can comfortably develop as a mother is something that makes a lot of sense."
Researchers also reported that attendance at antenatal classes during pregnancy and continued breastfeeding after delivery were associated with decreased risks of postpartum depression.
Source: Anesthesia & Analgesia
