Motherhood and Mental Health: What the Numbers Show

In Germany, around 700, 000 babies are born each year, and many mothers feel the weight of societal expectations and traditional roles. This study explored a unique data source to find out how often new mothers are diagnosed with mental illness compared to women without children. Using billing data from a major health insurance company, it aimed to provide a clearer picture of postpartum mental health. Postpartum depression affects up to 15% of mothers in Germany. However, previous studies mainly relied on surveys, were dated, and showed varied results. This study looked at the frequency of mental health diagnoses in postpartum mothers versus childless women. The research uncovered valuable insights from a large health insurance company's billing data. This approach offers a new perspective on the mental health of mothers after childbirth.