How Impressionable are Babies at an Early Age?

QUESTION: After delivering our baby, my wife has sunk into a severe
depression. I am worried that the baby will be able to sense this. How
impressionable are babies at this age?
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ANSWER: It is possible for even very young babies to sense a mother's
postpartum depression. It is not clear, however, whether there may be any
long term effects because of these negative moods. Studies have found that
infants--even those who are ten weeks old and younger--respond to their
mother's emotions. When a mother looks into a baby's eyes and speaks with
loving, happy or joyful words and expressions, the infant usually responds
with similar expression.
When the mother expresses sadness, babies often turn away and become
quiet. Many try to soothe themselves by sucking on something--a lip or a
finger. The reaction to a mother's anger is often tears on the part of the
baby. Other babies may respond to anger by freezing and a blank stare. Still
other babies may mimic the mother's anger.
Until your wife comes through her depression, you should try to give her
all the support you can and your baby plenty of time, expressing love,
happiness and positive feelings. If this situation is prolonged unduly,
please seek some help from your physician as well.