Postpartum depression in mothers contributes to children's overeating

A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign highlights the connection between postpartum depression in mothers and emotional overeating in children. Up to 25% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, which can affect both their parenting and their children’s health. Researchers wanted to understand how maternal depression affects children’s ability to manage their emotions and eating habits. Emotional overeating happens when kids use food to cope with stress or feelings, rather than to satisfy hunger. This can occur if children struggle to express their emotions, leading them to just eat instead. The study looked at data from families in the Midwest STRONG Kids2 project. Mothers completed surveys about their depression at six weeks after giving birth. They also provided information about their children’s emotional health at 24 months and eating behavior at 48 months. Researchers specifically focused on how postpartum depression impacts children’s executive function, which includes abilities like self-control. Findings showed that nearly 12% of mothers had symptoms of postpartum depression. The study found that this condition negatively influenced children's ability to control their thoughts and emotions at 24 months and led to overeating at 48 months. Mothers with depression may respond less to their children's emotional needs, which can hinder healthy development. The researchers stress the importance of providing support to mothers facing postpartum depression. Helping mothers can ultimately benefit their children. They suggest early intervention to teach families healthy emotional coping strategies, like play and open discussion about feelings. Support from teachers and other adults can also help children learn to manage their eating habits and emotions in healthier ways.