by Rachael Rettner
updated 7/7/2010 11:01:10 AM ET
New mothers who think they should be perfect parents might be at risk for postpartum depression, a new study suggests.
The results show that a type of perfectionism in which individuals feel others expect them to be perfect, known as "socially prescribed perfectionism," is associated with postpartum depression for first-time mothers.
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The link between perfectionism and postpartum depression was strongest amongst those who try to deal with perfectionism by appearing as if they don't have a problem.
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The results underscore the need to dispel the myth of the "perfect parent," Flett said.
"I think it's just important for new mothers and fathers to just realize, Hey, you haven't got a lot of experience with this, you don't need to be perfect, you don't need to be absolutely the best parent in the world," Flett said. "You need to just be able to experience the role, do your best, and your best is good enough."
[I would agree up to a point. If your best is damaging to your child, it's not enough, and you should get help.]
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