Japan-bilateral-cooperation- The relationship between postpartum depression, breastfeeding, DHA and seafood consumption

Background: A healthy diet is important, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period.The prevalence of postnatal depression is increasing. There is a demand for empirical research that will generate knowledge about the stress involved in child bearing and postpartum period. Previous research has shown that giving birth is a stressful experience for women (Chan & Levy 2004, Goodman 2004, Dennis & Creedy 2006). However, there is a lack of research describing the stress involved in childbirth and breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding. The prevalence reported in international research is 10-15% for first births (O'Hara & Swain 1996, Walther 1997), rising to 30-40% after a second birth as reported from Australia (Shakespeare 2001, Morse 2004).Over the next five to ten years, the challenge will be to develop, implement and evaluate policies in relation to healthy eating during pregnancy, postpartum and the breastfeeding period. A study revealed that mothers may be at higher risk of suffering post partu m depression when they lack omega-3 essential fatty acids, in particular DHA (Hibbeln & Salem 1995). Fish and seafood are prominent dietary sources of preformed omega-3 fatty acids as well as DHA (Hibbeln 2002) and an inadequate intake of omega-3 fats is associated with major depression ( Freeman et al. 2006). Design and Methods: A descriptive-correlational study design will be developed using quantitative methods. The following measures will be included: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) ( Cox et al., 1987, Cox and Holden 1994; Eberhard-Gran et al., 2001); The Seafood Questionnaire developed in Japan, and the Self-Attitude Questionnaire developed by Rosenberg (1965, 1985). Locations: Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan and Norway (a national stu dy). Potential outcomes: The findings will contribute towards the prevention of postpartum depression, low self-esteem and shed light upon some of the most important health benefits of a seafood rich diet.