[Neonatology and maternal post-partum depression. Applications in the prevention of disturbances early interactions].

From an epidemiological study of post-partum maternal depression, the authors have identified several risk factors which have to be taken in account in order to establish preventive measures. The early separation of the mother and her neonate is a stressful event. The "hostile" form of post-partum depression must be recognized as such; it can be misinterpreted, and may result in rejection of the mother by the hospital staff. Team-work is therefore necessary so that this particular attitude can be recognized and understood, and that at-risk-mothers may be correctly taken care of, thus preventing resulting interactional disturbances and child abuse. Some mothers refuse treatment proposals, which may have serious consequences for the child. In maternal depression, a rapid intervention by the mothering delegation may lead to a "psychological abduction" of the child and subsequent difficulties in mother-child relationship. The authors emphasize the need for early detection and treatment of puerperal maternal difficulties in order to prevent disturbances in infant-mother interactions.