How many novels have you read where a character gives birth and immediately is overwhelmed with maternal instincts, and they all live happily ever after? Sadly, most romance novels do not delve deeper into the reality of giving birth for many women. If I were a mother who had read these types of novels, it would leave me feeling completely inadequate as a parent if I had suffered from post-natal depression. As an author, it is your creative duty to think outside the box when it comes to your characters, and the case for many new mothers is far from the joyous parental bond depicted in novels. So how can you create a character with post-natal depression and inject realism into your character? 

Postnatal depression is a mental illness that changes the frame of mind of a woman and affects between 10-20% of new mothers in the US. The symptoms do not have to show themselves immediately; they can begin to develop from a few weeks to a few months after giving birth, and the illness can last anywhere from two weeks to a full year. You should not confuse the onset of mood swings (known more commonly as baby blues) with the symptoms of post-natal depression. Baby blues are quite normal and the symptoms will naturally dissipate after a short period of time. Post-natal depression symptoms are varied, but here are just a few that you could include into your character's behaviour to show a different angle on becoming a mother.  

Difficulty building a maternal bond with the baby. Feeling irritable, apprehensive or worthless as a mother and a person in general. Become withdrawn or experience restlessness and not enjoy the company of others. In extreme cases, thoughts of hurting themelves or the baby.  

So, what actions could you include that might trigger post-natal depression? Although the illness can affect anyone, there are factors that you could take into consideration while planning your storyline. The past life experiences of the character, their personality or family history of the illness are high contributors. According to medical research, half of the women who suffered from post-natal depression showed signs of low self-esteem or anxiety about losing their prior lifestyle whilst pregnant.  

When you are writing the backstory of your character, here are some things to consider. The onset of post-natal depression can be triggered by cigarette smoking during pregnancy, feeling stressed or worried about the financial burden of having a child, and women who suffered a traumatic labour have an increased likelihood. 

There are many treatments available once the illness is diagnosed. Anti-depressants, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy, are great ways to tackle the illness as this teaches the woman a basic understanding of the truth behind her thoughts but also arms her with great problem-solving skills. Finally, it is an important point to make that if the woman has a supportive relationship with her partner and parents, then the chances of contracting the illness are greatly reduced. So, if your character does suffer from this illness, think about what types of personalities you are going to give the partner or parents? Maybe they are emotionally distant or overly critical?