AHN Staff
Hamilton, Ontario (AHN) - A study by Canadian doctors point to sleep as a possible remedy to cut postpartum depression. The theory is based on patient conversations with Dr. Meir Steiner, founder of the Women's Health Concerns Clinic, that those who were fighting the mood disorder after giving birth expressed fear they will have another bout because of tiredness from their previous pregnancy.
It prompted Steiner to advice women giving birth at the clinic classified as high risk for postpartum depression to stay in the medical facility up to five days after their childbirth. These women stayed in a private room, while their newborns were in the nursery overnight. Those who breastfed were encouraged to pump milk or give their infants formula at night or were woken only for breastfeeding. The mothers were asked to keep the system at home.
From the informal program, Steiner applied in 2005 for a study grant from the Ontario Mental Health Foundation to conduct a scientific study to prove their theory. Six other Ontario hospitals are also practicing the same program.
Meanwhile, the clinic is also making a study on a new treatment for postpartum depression by giving estrogen and an antidepressant to women who just gave birth. The clinic is recruiting women volunteers aged 18 and above, between two to 12 weeks postpartum, have symptoms of depression and not taking any antidepressants or hormonal preparations. The study is also looking for women who do not experience postpartum depression to serve as members of the control group.
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