In encouraging news to women who have children later in life, a recent prospective study suggests that older first-time moms don't face an increased risk of postpartum depression. After surveying more than 500 women, researchers in Australia found that first-time mothers who were age 37 or older were no more likely to develop postpartum depression four months after giving birth than their younger counterparts. Reuters reports today:
The idea that older first-time mothers might face a higher depression risk has been largely based on speculation and "popular culture anecdote," according to study leader Catherine A. McMahon, an associate professor of psychology at Macquarie University in Australia.
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There's been some speculation, for instance, that older mothers might have a tougher time adjusting to motherhood -- after, presumably, being in the workforce for a long time. Or they might be more "set in their ways" than younger women, and have more difficulty dealing with the lifestyle changes that a baby brings.
But, McMahon said, "there is no research evidence to support these speculations."
Previously: Older or overweight moms may face breastfeeding difficulties
Via @RitaRubin
Photo by A. Blight
