How to spot the signs of postpartum depression and get help–now.
Postpartum Depression
- Up to 15% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression (PPD).
- Postpartum depression is an illness caused by biochemical and hormonal changes following pregnancy and birth.
- Your OB/GYN or midwife can help you find a doctor that specializes in PPD.
- Learning more about baby care will help you feel more in control as a parent, which can help reduce your risks of postpartum depression.
- PPD support groups are excellent resources, but any group for new mothers can help you feel less isolated.
ostpartum depression doesn't mean you've done anything wrong–or that something is wrong with you. It is an illness and it can be cured. Once you learn more about what's causing the depression and take some steps towards treatment, you'll be on the road to finding yourself again and enjoying life with your new baby. Here's what you need to know:
What is postpartum depression?
About 80 percent of mothers experience temporary, minor depressed feelings (also known as "the baby blues") after giving birth. The baby blues usually go away within a few days or weeks.
Up to 15 percent of new mothers have a more severe reaction known as postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression may appear to be the baby blues at first–but the symptoms are more intense and longer lasting. PPD can occur within the first year after childbirth. It is caused by the biochemical and hormonal changes that happen in the body following pregnancy and birth.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
PPD affects all women differently. You probably won't experience everything on the following list (and the degree of symptoms may range from mild to severe), but if a number of these apply to you, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or inadequate
- Frequent crying or tearfulness
- Insomnia or sleepiness
- Lack of energy
- Loss of pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
- Difficulty doing typical daily chores
- Loss of appetite
- Feelings of sadness and despair
- Feelings of guilt, panic or confusion
- Feelings of anger or anxiety
- Extreme mood swings
- Memory loss
- Over concern for baby
- Fear of "losing control"
- Lack of interest in sex
- Worrying that you may hurt your baby
- A desire to escape from your baby or your family
- Withdrawal from social circles and routines
- Thoughts about hurting yourself
If you suffer from extreme degrees of any of these symptoms, particularly thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, or if you have additional physical symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion or paranoia, you should call a doctor immediately.
What can I do about postpartum depression?
Contact your OB/GYN or your midwife for a referral to a PPD expert who can evaluate your condition. He may suggest medication, such as antidepressants (there are breastfeeding-friendly options), and therapy. In addition, the following things can help you begin to feel better:
1. Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your feelings with someone who cares about you, even if you feel you can't talk specifically about postpartum depression, can help.
2. Knowledge is power. Reading books about baby care and parenting will help you feel more confident, which in turn will help you feel more in control of your situation.
3. Join a support group. While postpartum depression support groups are an excellent choice, any group for new mothers that allows you to share your feelings about motherhood can help you feel less isolated.
The following websites can help you find a postpartum depression support group in your area:
4. Accept help from others. If anyone offers to help you⎯whether it's to take your baby for a walk, cook a meal or drive your older kids to sports practice⎯accept! You don't have to do everything yourself to be a good mother.
5. Get extra sleep. Forget about the clock. Just sleep whenever you can.
6. Relax your standards. This is not the time to worry about a spotless house, gourmet meals, the corporate ladder or the last time you had a manicure. Stick to the basics and concentrate on taking care of yourself and your baby.
7. Get fresh air. When possible, put your baby in the sling or stroller and take a walk. The exercise and open spaces will help you feel more energized and lift your spirits.
8. Eat healthy foods. Taking care of yourself is important-focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and making simple, nutritious, meals.
9. Eat frequently. Going long stretches without food wreaks havoc on your system. Simple snacks, like an apple with peanut butter, are easy to prepare and prevent your blood sugar from dipping.
10. Love yourself. You are going to be okay. Take it one step at a time. With help and time, you'll develop a refreshing and healthy outlook to your new role as a mother.
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