Understanding and Better Supporting Maternity Depression in Ireland

In Ireland, it is estimated that approximately 16% of pregnant women are at probable risk of depression during their pregnancy. Additionally, around 14% (one in seven) of women report moderate to severe depression symptoms in the first year postpartum. These statistics highlight the significant impact of maternal depression on new mothers in Ireland.

By understanding and addressing the impacts of maternity depression, businesses can create a healthier, more productive, and supportive workplace for all employees.

What is Maternity Depression?

Maternity depression, also known as maternal depression, encompasses a range of mood conditions that can affect women during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. It includes several forms, each with distinct characteristics and severity levels.

Forms of Maternity Depression

Prenatal Depression:

• Onset: During pregnancy.
• Prevalence: Affects 10 to 20 % of pregnant women.
• Symptoms: Crying, sleep problems, fatigue, appetite disturbance, loss of enjoyment in activities, anxiety, poor foetal attachment, and irritability.

Baby Blues:

• Onset: Begins during the first few weeks after delivery, usually peaking at 3 to 5 days postpartum.
• Prevalence: As high as 80 % of new mothers.
• Symptoms: Crying, sadness, irritability, anxiety, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, insomnia, fatigue, and frustration. Symptoms typically resolve within two weeks.

Postpartum Depression (PPD):

• Onset: Usually within the first two to three months postpartum, but can start immediately after delivery.
• Prevalence: Affects 10 to 20 % of new mothers.
• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, frequent crying, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, irritability, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, appetite changes, anxiety, poor bonding with the baby, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Postpartum Psychosis:

• Onset: Typically starts within 2 to 4 weeks of delivery, but can occur as early as 2 to 3 days postpartum.
• Prevalence: Occurs in 1-2 per 1,000 new mothers.
• Symptoms: Auditory and visual hallucinations, insomnia, hopelessness, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, mania, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

Understanding the Experience and The Impact

Maternity depression can significantly affect the ability of mothers to form healthy and secure emotional bonds with their infants, which can have serious and lasting impacts on children’s health and development. Recognising and addressing these conditions early is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the child.

Researchers believe that despite more conversations around mental health taking place – which in turn help to break the stigma and silence that surround mental health problems – it is important to keep in mind that there are additional aspects of stigma for a mother who is experiencing a mental health problem. Women worry about how they will be perceived by their family and communities for experiencing a mental health problem during a time which society largely regards as a time of happiness and joy. Some women may even think that their ability as a mother will be questioned. This creates an additional barrier to mothers reaching out for support for their mental health.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of maternity depression, it is important to seek professional help. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in managing these conditions effectively.

I (am or know) a new Mother, what are the Practical Care Tips?

Managing maternity depression involves a combination of medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions. Self-care is essential for new mothers to maintain their well-being. Here are some practical care tips:

Physical Self-Care

Rest and Sleep:

• Nap When the Baby Naps, try to rest whenever your baby is sleeping to compensate for disrupted nighttime sleep.
• Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine by establish a calming routine before bed to improve sleep quality.

Healthy Eating:

• Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Exercise:

• Engage in light exercises such as walking, stretching, or postnatal platies to boost energy and mood.
• Before starting any exercise routine, check with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe.

Emotional Self-Care

Connect with Others:

• Stay connected with family and friends. Share your feelings and experiences with them.
• Consider joining a new mothers’ group or online community for support and advice.

Take Time for Yourself:

• Dedicate a few minutes each day to activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a bath.
• Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.

Mental Self-Care

Set Realistic Expectations:

• Understand that it’s okay not to be perfect. Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help with household chores or baby care.

Stay Informed:

• Learn about postpartum changes and what to expect. Knowledge can help you feel more in control.
• If you experience persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, consult a healthcare provider for support.

Practical Tips

Organize Your Day:

• Establish a flexible daily routine to bring structure and predictability to your day.
• Focus on essential tasks and let go of non-urgent ones.

Simplify Baby Care:

• Organize baby essentials like diapers, clothes, and feeding supplies in advance to make daily care easier.
• Utilize baby carriers, swings, or bouncers to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands.

Seeking Support

Professional Help:

• Consider talking to a therapist or counsellor if you need emotional support.
• Attend postpartum check-ups and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Partner, Family or Support Network Involvement:

• Involve your partner and family members in baby care and household tasks.
• Clearly communicate your needs and feelings to your partner, family or support network.

Impact of Maternity Depression on Businesses in Ireland

Maternity depression, including prenatal depression and postpartum depression (PPD), can have significant implications for businesses in Ireland. Understanding these impacts is crucial for employers to create supportive environments and policies that benefit both employees and the organisation.

Turnover Costs

• If employees leave due to maternity depression, businesses incur costs related to recruiting and training new staff.
• The departure of experienced employees can result in a loss of valuable skills and institutional knowledge.

Workplace Morale and Culture

Employee Engagement:

• Maternity depression can lead to disengagement from work, affecting overall team morale and productivity.
• Affected employees may withdraw from team activities and collaboration, impacting workplace dynamics.

Stigma and Support:

• Lack of awareness and support for maternity depression can perpetuate stigma, discouraging employees from seeking help.
• Creating a supportive environment can enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, fostering a positive workplace culture.

Productivity and Performance

Reduced Productivity:

• Employees experiencing maternity depression may take more sick days or extended leave, leading to decreased productivity.
• Even when present at work, affected employees may struggle to perform at their usual capacity due to mental health challenges.

Quality of Work:

• Maternity depression can impair concentration and decision-making abilities, affecting the quality of work produced.
• Higher rates of mistakes and lower efficiency can result from the cognitive impacts of depression.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Compliance with Legislation:

• Ireland’s Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 prohibit discrimination in employment on nine grounds, including family status, ensuring equal treatment in areas such as recruitment, promotion, and working conditions.
•  The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 extend these protections to access to goods, services, facilities, and accommodation, promoting equality and preventing discrimination in broader societal contexts.
• Additionally, parents and caregivers are entitled to various types of leave, including maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, and carer’s leave, to support their family responsibilities.

Corporate Social Responsibility:

• Supporting employees with maternity depression aligns with ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility.
• Companies known for their supportive policies can enhance their reputation and attract top talent.

Employers Role, How can you support Employees with Maternity Depression?

Employers play a vital role in supporting employees experiencing maternity depression. Here are some strategies to create a supportive workplace:

1. Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible schedules and remote work options can help employees balance their work and family responsibilities.
2. Mental Health Resources: Communicate available mental health resources and digital tools, such as teletherapy availed through employee assistance programs and self-management apps, to employees.
3. Inclusive Benefits: Provide equitable benefits that support maternal mental health while considering childcare costs, mental health coverage, and family planning.
4. Creating Supportive Communities: Establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for new parents to share advice and encouragement, fostering a sense of community and support.
5. Raising Awareness and Destigmatising Postpartum experiences: Educate employees about postpartum depression and other maternal mental health conditions to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help.

By implementing these strategies, employers can help mitigate the impact of maternity depression on their employees, promoting a healthier and more productive workplace.

I’m Curious, What are the Legislative Provisions to Support Parents

Ireland has several legislative provisions to support parents, ensuring they can balance work and family responsibilities. Here are the key entitlements:

Parental Leave

Duration and Eligibility:

• Entitlement: Parents are entitled to up to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave for each eligible child before their 12th birthday. If the child has a disability or long-term illness, the leave can be taken up until the child is 16 years old.
• Eligibility: To qualify, the parent must have completed one year of continuous service with their employer. If the child is near the age limit and the parent has been employed for more than three months but less than a year, they can take pro-rata parental leave.

Conditions:

• Notice: Parents must give at least six weeks’ notice to their employer before taking parental leave.
• Flexibility: The leave can be taken in one continuous period or in blocks of at least six weeks, unless the employer agrees to a different arrangement.

Parent’s Leave

Duration and Eligibility:

• Entitlement: Under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019, working parents are entitled to nine weeks of paid parent’s leave for each relevant parent, to be taken within the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.
• Non-Transferable: This leave is an individual entitlement and cannot be transferred between parents.

Maternity Leave

Duration and Eligibility:

• Entitlement: Mothers are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, with at least two weeks taken before the expected birth date and at least four weeks after the birth.
• Additional Leave: Mothers can also take an additional 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave immediately after the end of the standard maternity leave.

Paternity Leave

Duration and Eligibility:

• Entitlement: Fathers or partners are entitled to two weeks of paternity leave, which can be taken within the first six months following the birth or adoptive placement of a child.
• Paid Leave: This leave is paid, and the parent can apply for Paternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection.

Adoptive Leave

Duration and Eligibility:

• Entitlement: Adoptive parents are entitled to 24 weeks of adoptive leave, starting from the date of the placement of the child.
• Additional Leave: An additional 16 weeks of unpaid adoptive leave can be taken immediately after the standard adoptive leave.

Leave for Medical Care

• Entitlement: Five days of unpaid leave in any 12 consecutive months to deal with serious medical care for a child or other relevant person.
• Emergency Circumstances: No notice required in emergency situations.

Force Majeure Leave

• Entitlement: Paid leave for urgent family crises, up to three days in 12 consecutive months or five days in 36 consecutive months.

Employment Equality Acts

• Family Status Protection:
  • Definition: Family status refers to being a parent or person in loco parentis for a person under 18 years, or being the primary carer or parent of a person over 18 years with a disability requiring care.
  •  Protection: The Employment Equality Acts prohibit discrimination in employment on the grounds of family status. This includes recruitment, promotion, training, and working conditions.
• Equal Treatment:
• • Equal Pay: Employees are entitled to equal pay for equal work, regardless of their family status.
  • Hiring and Promotions: Employers must ensure that family status does not negatively impact hiring decisions or opportunities for promotion.

Equal Status Acts

Access to Goods and Services:

• Protection: The Equal Status Acts prohibit discrimination in accessing goods, services, facilities, and accommodation based on family status.
• Examples: This includes public services, housing, education, and other everyday activities.

Where to Find Help or Support?

The following organisations provide crucial support and resources for mothers experiencing maternal depression, helping them navigate their mental health challenges:

Postnatal Depression Ireland (PND Ireland):

• Services: Provides free information, support, and friendship to women experiencing postnatal depression. They host coffee mornings and support meetings.
• Contact: Phone: 021 4922083 or 086 7872107, Email: support@pnd.ie or visit Home | Post Natal Depression Ireland

Cuidiú:

• Services: A parent-to-parent voluntary support charity offering free information about postnatal depression. They have parent-to-parent supporters available via email, phone, or online.
• Contact: Details for local support workers can be found at Home | cuidiu.com | Cuidiú

Parentline:

• Services: A national, confidential helpline offering support, information, and guidance on all aspects of parenting, including postnatal depression.
• Contact: Phone: 01 8733500 (Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm, Fridays 10am to 7pm) or visit Home – Parentline – Helpline for Parents.

Samaritans:

• Services: Provides 24/7, 365 days a year support for anyone needing to speak to someone immediately.
• Contact: Phone: 116 123, or visit Contact Us | Samaritans

Aware:

• Services: Offers a free helpline for anyone aged 18 and over needing support and information about their mood or the mood of a friend or family member.
• Contact: Freephone: 1800 80 48 48, or visit Support Services – Aware

If you would like to explore this topic more or require support in better supporting maternity depression, please contact us at info@adarehrm.ie or 01 561 3594