Vaginal Delivery Increases Maternal Responsiveness to Newborns and Postpartum Depression

Vaginal Delivery Increases Maternal Responsiveness to Newborns and Postpartum Depression

New research suggest that women who deliver vaginally may be more responsive to their newborns and less likely to develop postpartum depression than those who delivered via cesarean section.

The principal investigator Dr. James Swain states that “we found a significant difference in activity in certain cortical and sub cortical areas of the brain, [using functional magnetic resonance imaging], in this group of mothers who delivered vaginally compared with those who delivered by cesarean section. Broadly speaking, the cortical brain regions are believed to be important for regulating emotions and empathy.”

The researchers also found increased activation in the deeper sub cortical brain structures, including the basal ganglia and brainstem regions, areas thought to play a role in motivation, habitual thoughts and behavior.

This is a wonderful study to consider as the rate of C-section has drastically risen over the last few years, accounting for more than 25% of deliveries in the hospital. Many mothers are told this is a harmless surgical procedure and will not have any effect on the child or the mother. Clearly this study shows otherwise.  I do want to stress that there are times when a C-section is clearly indicated, but today our society has become a society of comfort. I hear many stories from mothers whose OB recommended a C-Section merely because he/she was going to be out of town. This is because OBs get paid from insurance companies only if they deliver their patients.

Please if possible, do everything to have a vaginal delivery with your child. There are so many other health benefits that accompany a vaginal delivery; one in particularly is a decrease in atopy (asthma, eczema and allergies). Should you wish to learn more of the health benefits your child will have through a vaginal delivery give me a call or shoot us an email.

Reference:

Sept 32008 , J Child Psychol Psychiatry