Infant Eye Exams/Maternal Depression Part Two

Last month we discussed the impact that maternal depression has on infant/child development. Now let's look into how we as therapists, friends and family members can support depressed caregivers.

First, we must remember that the caregiver knows her child best and in trying to help the caregiver we should let her know that we recognize this and value that input. We should also attempt to involve everyone in the family in the process. We need to put our own judgments and opinions aside and see the caregiver as someone who does love and value their child despite their current circumstances.

Help Families with Scheduling

We may need to do some extra planning when preparing visits with depressed caregivers because many of these parents find it difficult to remember appointments and/or have difficulty with managing their daily schedules. We may need to hand out free calendars to families or write notes about our visits on post-it notes and place them on the fridge. We may need to call frequently to remind families of appointments and stress the importance of keeping appointments or canceling if they will not be home. It may help to schedule appointments on the same day of the week and same time if possible.

Build Positive Relationships

Building a positive relationship is necessary. Many depressed caregivers may not trust easily, feel valued at the start or feel their input is appreciated. It may take time to develop this trust. When trying to help the depressed caregiver attempt to use "reflective listening", be respectful, focus on strengths of both the parent and child and listen for past experiences that may affect a depressed caregiver's current frame of mind. Some caregivers who had negative experiences in their own childhoods may unknowingly fall into these same pattens with their own children. Be alert and be sure to respond to any stories a parent has regarding their own issues with abandonment, grief or loss. Help relate past experiences to their child and their present situation.

Focus on Strengths of Parent and Child

Comment on and continually praise strengths, a willingness to try new things or any emerging skills you see the parent or child improving upon. Try your best to ask open ended questions such as "How did that make you feel?" or "Why do you think he is acting that way?" or "Tell me more about that." Express your thoughts aloud to help the caregiver understand certain behaviors or situations, for example, "I wonder if she is crying because you propped her bottle up instead of holding her?"

Make Referrals When Necessary

If we continue to use our own observations and listening skills, have empathy, and develop a trusting, safe relationship with the depressed caregiver and her family we can help families continue on their journey to recovery. Lastly, we need to know that we can refer the family to behavioral health services outside the home if we find this is necessary.

(Information summarized from a presentation given by Jil Hawk, Erin Troup, Sue Killmeyer & Melanie Hallums on Infant Mental Health 4-12-10, as well as Teis, Inc. staff discussions and the National Center for Children in Poverty. )

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Do you have concerns about your child's eating or sensory skills? If so and you are in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area visit the link below or call:

Thrive Place™ Child Development Center

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Thrive Place, 4070 Beechwood Blvd., Unit One Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-521-1067