14 DAY TRIAL // Women who give birth to twins or have multiple births are more exposed to suffering from post-natal depression or other complications, a new study has found. With many of them, things get as bad as them not speaking with another adult for more than an hour a day, the research has also established, as reported by the Daily Mail, which is why these findings should be taken into due consideration when offering counseling.
The Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba) analyzed the cases of approximately 1,400 multiple-birth mothers, learning that 17 per cent of the women had suffered from post-natal depression, which is almost double the rate in all new mothers, as figures from the Royal College of Psychiatrists indicate. Many of the mothers of twins and triplets admitted to researchers to walking out on their babies shortly after birth, but returned later, and most experienced feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and pain. These symptoms, experts warn, can last up to several months and even years, and could potentially lead to the mother harming herself and the children.
This is precisely why the findings of the latest study must be taken into consideration, in order to provide appropriate counseling, researchers explain. Judi Linney, president of Tamba, says to the Mail that proper assistance and support is vital in these cases. “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 well-being of mothers and their babies.”
Psychologist Maggie Couston also stresses the same idea, based on her own experience as a mother of triplets. “The months after my triplets’ birth should have been a joyful experience but instead I felt exhausted and isolated. My babies were the most precious thing in the world to me but I thought I wasn’t good enough for them and frequently thought of ending things or walking away.” Couston says for the same publication.