New mothers who are already struggling with their bills may need more than just a little pat on the back for their achievements! A recent study in Iowa found that poor women are more susceptible to postpartum depression than wealthier women. This finding has sparked considerable debate about just how much is being done for these new mothers.
Besides the impoverished aspect of this, a similar study also determined that African-American mothers are more likely to suffer from the negative emotions of this condition than white mothers. Latina mothers were shown to be less susceptible to the depressed moods and the reasons for his were quite interesting.
Both studies took place as part of the Iowa Barriers to Prenatal Care Project Survey which was financed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. The survey asked 26,877 mothers if they felt sad much of the time over recent, specific weeks. The answers supported the conclusion that strong social support can fight against postpartum depression whereas poor social support can contribute to it. Latina mothers were shown to have more social support but African-American mothers didn’t. The ethnic differences in the amount of social support were believed to account for the rate of depression immediately after birth.
A need for early identification programs was cited and screening for depression is considered to be the first step toward getting help to these mothers. Just finding someone who can take the time to speak with them is a great benefit. A screening process is planned for Des Moines, Iowa in order to interview mothers and determine further steps which can be taken in this area.

Source: University of Iowa