Ms Fiona Rea:

The latest study I have read, which was not so recent, suggests that the figures are about 6% to 10%. Postnatal depression can affect mums of children up to two years of age and they can show signs at any point during that time. We also have to recognise that much postnatal depression can be a result of the mother's experience. It can be driven by disappointment or upset. Birth and breastfeeding are very much hormonally driven, and when many hormones are involved, there will be an imbalance some of the time. These mothers need care and, as Ms Cahill said, it does not always need to be medication. Support is the key in those circumstances. Sometimes medication will be needed, and that is where they need proper guidance and GPs need proper information on what medication is suitable to continue with breastfeeding. Stopping breastfeeding abruptly is never a good idea either. We know there will be that drop of oxytocin and prolactin, which will send mothers into a low mood. The experience of birth and breastfeeding for a particular mum is tied in greatly with the hormones of birth and breastfeeding. There could also be a predisposition to it. There is plenty of information out there on the matter. I do not have the exact figures to hand but, according to the last study I read, the figure is between 6% and 10%.