Session 6: How does Maternal Depression affect the Baby and Family Unit
SMART goal: By the end of sessions, Participants will be able to define and describe maternal depression and identify at least three coping skills
Objective #1: The group will describe and discuss maternal depression and its misconceptions
Objectives #2: The group will discuss and describe the signs and symptoms of maternal depression
Agenda: 50 minutes- 10-minute break
* At the start of each session, write the topic and lesson plan on the whiteboard*
* At the start of each session, do an emotional and well-being check-in and prayer and music*
*Be aware that the time breakdowns are suggestions, and some activities may require more or less time depending on the group’s needs. A reminder that each sessions time breakdowns are an estimate *
Maternal Depression Effect on Child and family unit lecture – 5 minutes
Child development – 5 minutes
Family unit stress and support- 5 minutes
Maternal Depression Effect on Child and family unit discussion – 15 minutes
10-minute break
Gratitude Activity- 10 minutes
Lesson Plan:
Maternal Depression Effect on Child and family unit lecture
Maternal depression can have a significant impact on the child and the family unit as a whole. Here are some ways in which it can affect them:
Child development
- Child development: Maternal depression can affect a child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral development. Children of depressed mothers are at a higher risk for delayed language development, cognitive delays, and emotional and behavioral problems.
- Attachment and bonding: Maternal depression can affect the mother’s ability to form a strong bond and attachment with her child, impacting the child’s emotional development and behavior.
- Long-term effects: Children of depressed mothers are at a higher risk for developing mental health problems themselves, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The effects of maternal depression can also continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Family unit stress and support
- Family dynamics: Maternal depression can impact the family’s functioning and dynamics, creating tension, conflict, and stress. It can also affect the quality of the parent-child relationship, sibling relationships, and the overall family environment.
- Parental stress and mental health: Maternal depression can lead to increased stress levels for both parents, affecting their mental health and well-being. This can impact their ability to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their child.
Maternal Depression Effect on Child and family unit discussion
- How has maternal depression affected the child’s daily routine and overall development?
- In what ways has the family unit been impacted by maternal depression?
- Has maternal depression affected the mother’s ability to provide emotional and physical care for her child?
- Are there any behavioral changes in the child observed due to maternal depression?
- How has maternal depression affected the communication patterns within the family?
- What coping mechanisms have the family members developed to deal with the effects of maternal depression?
- Has maternal depression led to financial or employment challenges for the family?
- Have there been any changes in the family’s social support system due to maternal depression?
- What resources are available to the family to address maternal depression and its effects on the family unit?
- How can the social worker support the family in addressing maternal depression and its impact on the family?
Gratitude Activity
Group Members will complete the gratitude activity to reflect on what is good in their lives to begin to develop some support and coping strategies for them.
Step 1: Pick up a piece of paper and a few coloring pencils, markers, or crayons
Step 2: Draw a cloud with the phrase ” I can’t imagine life without”
Step 3: Write on the outside of the cloud the things that make you feel happy, excited, comfortable, and special. Things that your life would not be whole.
Step 4: Write a letter to yourself on the back and reflect as a mother on all the things you can cherish.
Group facilitators will conclude the session with a plan for the next session and say a closing prayer.
Materials: Color pencils, Crayons, Color Markers, Printing paper, journals, Whiteboard, Dry-erase markers, pens, and pencils
References:
Depression in pregnant women and mothers: How it affects you and your child. Caring for kids. (n.d.) Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior
Postpartum depression affects the whole family. Regence Newsroom. (2022, July). Retrieved from https://news.regence.com/blog/postpartum-depression-affects-the-whole-family