Babies in the Workplace

Lower Risk of
Postpartum Depression

By being able to delay separation from their babies by bringing them to work, mothers will be at a lower risk of developing general postpartum depression. A study of 1800 mothers, published in January, 2004, found that the longer mothers are able to stay with their babies after birth, the less likely they are to have symptoms of general postpartum depression.

The first few months after birth involve strong hormonal changes in mothers to
promote mother-baby bonding. This strong biological urge to be with their babies makes it extremely difficult for a mother to leave a small baby to go to work every day. Many mothers go through tremendous emotional pain when they must return to work, often due to feelings of guilt and to missing their babies, and

the effects of hormones make this even more difficult. Being able to take their babies to work satisfies mothers' strong emotional and hormonal needs to stay with their babies.

Cross-cultural studies of postpartum depression found that, across the world, loneliness and "lack of emotional and practical social support" were substantial causes of depression following the birth of
a baby. Good social support was universally given as a cause of happiness during this period. Many mothers feel isolated when they are alone at home with
their babies all day in those first weeks or months.

Boredom is also a problem for many, particularly mothers who enjoyed being productive in their jobs. Being able to bring their babies to work alleviates feelings of isolation, provides mothers with a built-in social network, and provides