Final answer:
While exact figures are not available, approximately 9.5 percent of American adults suffer from depression annually, a portion of whom are new mothers. The prevalence of depression among adults suggests that a significant number of infants could be born to mothers experiencing depression, impacting early interactions and care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Determining the exact number of infants born to mothers who are depressed each year requires access to specific epidemiological data. However, we can infer from provided data that depression is a significant issue impacting new mothers. The National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 9.5 percent of American adults suffer from depression or a depressive illness within any given year. Applying this percentage to the context of childbirth, a subset of this population would be new mothers.
It has been identified that mental health issues, including depression, can impact mothers' abilities to interact with and care for their newborns. Studies such as the one by Fields in 2010 highlight the effects of postpartum depression on early interactions, parenting, and safety practices. Furthermore, research by Moffitt et al. in 2007 emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder due to their long-term impacts starting from childhood and potentially extending throughout life.
Without concrete numbers, it is challenging to state an accurate figure for infants born to depressed mothers. Nonetheless, the prevalence of depression among adults indicates it is a considerable number, and understanding this could enhance healthcare strategies for mothers and infants alike. Using the statistics that are available, one could approach this question by using the general known rate of depression and applying that to birth rates to estimate numbers. However, specific data would be necessary to provide an accurate count.