Families suffer as mothers struggle to speak out about postnatal depression

2 October 2011 1 min read Joe Lepper Early Years Children's Services Families/Parenting

Half of mothers with postnatal depression are going without the support they need to avert long-term problems for their families, according to a report by the charity 4Children.

Lack of bonding with their baby at an early stage can harm the child’s development, according to the report, Suffering in Silence.

Untreated postnatal depression can also have a devastating effect on older children, the report adds.

In a 4Children-commissioned survey of more than 2,000 mothers, of those who had suffered postnatal depression, 49 per cent said they had not sought any professional help.

A third said they were too scared to tell anyone about their postnatal depression out of fear of the consequences for them and their children.

This latest report is part of 4Children’s Give Me Strength campaign to promote early intervention and prevent family crises.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included