Multiple births double the risk of post natal depression

Mothers of multiple births are almost twice as likely to suffer Post Natal Depression (PND) compared with mothers of single children, according to results of a survey conducted by the Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA).

Over 1000 mothers of multiples took part in the Tamba Health and Lifestyle survey. Of these, 17% had experienced PND, whilst a further 18% were 'not sure' if they had. This is nearly double the number of all mothers who suffer PND (10%).

A small number of women had walked out on their babies, but returned. Others felt alone, cried regularly, some self-harmed, and a few contemplated suicide.

Significantly, the Tamba survey found that mothers who experienced PND were:

• Less likely to have attended multiple-specific parent education classes;
• Less likely to be a member of Tamba;
• More likely to have received poor quality antenatal care; • More likely to have developed pregnancy complications;
• These mothers also had less sleep and less help from friends and family.

Half of all respondents spent less than one hour a day talking to another adult, and many described feeling profoundly isolated.

Tamba President, Judi Linney MBE, who was a midwife, Health Visitor and Public Health Director, said: “At present many families struggle because not all of the NHS is sufficiently informed and equipped to meet the challenges of multiple births and pregnancies.

Simple steps like improving access to multiple-specific parent education and providing practical support during the early days would do much to promote the health and wellbeing of mothers and their babies, and we call on the Government to ensure this happens.”

More information

http://www.tamba.org.uk

This article was published on Thu 16 April 2009