Societal expectations that the postpartum period is filled with joy can make episodes of depression feel exponentially more isolating when as many as one in five mothers experience it.
The effects of postpartum depression can be felt by women and their children—sometimes for many years. However, new research shows how specially designed therapy and exercises that target anxiety in pregnant mothers can significantly reduce incidents of postpartum depression.
A clinical trial divided 755 women into either a prenatal intervention group or a routine care group to compare episodes of anxiety and depression in the first six weeks after delivery. Those in the intervention group received six sessions—and homework—based on cognitive behavioral therapy....
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