Why postnatal depression is getting later

Modern parenting is taking its toll on mothers, with the highest risk of postnatal depression coming much later after birth.

THE juggle of modern parenting is taking a toll on mothers, with some women presenting with postnatal depression when the children are near school age.

A Queensland-based peri-natal support body reports seeing large numbers of mothers who are experiencing depression and anxiety in the post-partum and early parenthood years.

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Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness chief executive Viv Kissane said she was hopeful the Federal Government’s $36 million investment in peri-natal screening, due to roll out through public maternity hospitals later this year, would ease the problems.

“We want to see women getting the help they need before they end up the emergency departments,” Ms Kissane said.

Academic and sociologist Dr Sophie Brock told The Courier-Mail research showed the highest chance of experiencing postnatal depression was when the child was four.

Pam Fernandes with daughters Sophie, 3, and Mallie, 10 months. Picture: Lachie Millard

Queensland Health emphasised that the Australian Maternal Health Study showed the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms at four years post-partum, was having previously reported depressive symptoms in early pregnancy.

Pam Fernandes said parenting, especially for working mothers, could be a struggle.

“I’m very lucky to have a very supportive husband, but I can see how some mums of young children could end up in a black hole and it’s not always easy to reach out for help,” she said.