how does the depression level of a mother affect the depression level of their child?

For many single mothers in the world, they may experience depression to some extent due to the substantial living situation that many single parent endure.  What many people don't know is that the same depression they endure can be environmentally picked up by their children and picked by the actions of the mother. Many people also don't realize that this does not only occur in single parents. The depression level of a married mother can also affect the depression level of their child. The depression that the mother is going through is called postpartum depression (PPD).  There are many symptoms such as:

• sadness
• hopelessness
• low self-esteem
• guilt
• exhaustion
• emptiness
• decreased sex drive
• low or no energy
• a feeling of being overwhelmed
• inability to be comforted

If any of these symptoms are notices or recognizable, they should be treated to immediately.   When a child is born, this is the most important time for the mother to spend and bond with their child as much as possible.  They are able to give the child a feeling of security an warmth.  If the mother is depressed, the connection between the mother and child are unstable and this could negatively affect the child's early development. PPD can lead to mothers being inconsistent with childcare and they often only focus on the negative parts of childcare and this results poorly for their relationship.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression

http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/postpartum-care/postpartum-depression-affect-infants1.htm