Some aspects of regression in non‐psychotic puerperal breakdown

Postpartum depression and symbiotic illusion.

“…Although problems in relation to the woman's mother have been noted by most authors on postpartum depression, whether the authors are psychiatrists or psychoanalysts (Bieber & Bieber, 1978; Douglas, 1963; Hayman, 1962; Jones, 1942; Ketai & Brandwin, 1979; Lomas, 1960a, 1960b; Molinski, 1972; Pines, 1972; Roth, 1975), the problems have not been worked out in their various ramifications. Several conflict areas in the imaginary daughter—mother and mother–daughter relationship have been pointed out here and illustrated by case material.…”

“…I have argued that regression threatens every new developmental phase of the female life cycle as progression means renewed identification with the mother. The events of pregnancy and giving birth not only mean following in the mother's footsteps but also imply identification with the baby (Benedek, 1973;Bergler, 1959;Deutsch, 1945;Hayman, 1962;Pines, 1982). The temporary regression implied in the "primary maternal preoccupation" (Winnicott, 1956(Winnicott, /1958) denotes a danger to a woman's equilibrium.…”

The role of the father in parental postnatal mental health

“…In recent years the epidemiology and aetiology of perinatal psychiatric morbidity in women has been studied intensively and there has also been some interest in psychotherapy with prospective and recent mothers who are in distress (e.g. Hayman, 1962;Lester & Notman, 1988;Lomas, 1960;Pines, 1982;Raphael-Leff, 1991). If there is a consensus it is that child-bearing is a major contributor to female psychiatric illness and that an understanding of why women break down after childbirth will yield much of potentially therapeutic benefit.…”