Program & Services

Post-Partum Depression

Having a baby means major changes in one's life. No matter how prepared you feel, you may still feel physical, emotional and personal lifestyle changes.

It is not unusual to feel tired or irritable. More than 50% of new mothers have the so-called "postpartum blues." This usually happens over the first ten days or so after giving birth.

Symptoms are short-lived and often include:

• Crying
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and/or
• Difficulty in thinking clearly

Talk to your doctor if you feel these signs. Let your friends and family know what is going on. Ask them to support you.

Postpartum blues can be normal. It usually goes away within a matter of a few days to two weeks. Postpartum depression is quite different. The symptoms make you feel like you aren't able to care for a new baby. It is a serious condition. It will not go away on its own. It is more likely to get worse if it is not treated the right way.

Symptoms experienced with postpartum depression can include:

• Feeling sad most of the time
• Having no energy
• Not being able to enjoy things that used to be fun
• Sleeping or eating too much or too little
• Unusual weight gain or loss
• Poor concentration or memory
• Nagging worries about your baby's health
• Worrying too much about your ability to be a good mother
• Aches and pains that won't go away. They seem to have no a cause
• Social withdrawal

A woman with postpartum depression may spend a lot of time crying. They may feel guilty about the birth. They may feel bad about their skills as a mother. She may feel worthless. She may even fear that she will harm herself. She may worry about harming her baby. This type of depression happens in about 10 - 15% of mothers. It usually starts within the first week.

The Good News: There are safe and effective treatments for postpartum depression. You can get treatment even if you are breastfeeding.

GET HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU:

• Are thinking of hurting your baby
• Are thinking of hurting yourself
• Are thinking of hurting others
• Are having troubles caring for yourself or your baby

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

What causes this very real depression at a time when a woman is supposed to feel so happy? There are many unanswered questions about postpartum depression. What is known is that the causes are far more complex than changes in hormone levels. Factors can happen at any time during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period.

Examples include:

• Unwanted pregnancy;
• Financial concerns;
• Disappointments or strains in the marital relationship;
• Physical problems and/or
• Disappointment with the birthing process.

A common theme of new mothers with depression is how hard they try to hide it. They suffer in silence. They are afraid to admit that their feelings about new motherhood are less than perfect. Many times, they've been swayed by the over-glamorous portrayals of motherhood. Depression can happen when no sleep and total disruption of daily routines becomes a reality.

A woman's need for both physical and emotional support is great after having a baby. It is important that she feels her needs are being met. She needs to feel loved.

What Can You Do?

• Do not try to cover up the way you feel. Emotional support is very important. The "pull yourself together and snap out of it" attitude will not work this time.
• Talk about how you feel. You will most likely see that what you are feeling is unfounded. Your partner may need information about depression and support in order to assist you.
• Talking with friends or family members may help you to feel less alone.
• Talk with your health care provider. There are good treatments. There are also support groups of other mothers who have had the same feelings.
• You may need to change some things at home as well. You may need help with household chores like housecleaning and laundry.

Remember:

Everything does not have to be perfect. It may be helpful to:

• Reduce contact with people who cause conflict or disagreements.
• Arrange time to be alone with your partner or by yourself. Get away from family responsibilities.
• Take the phone off the hook. Take a nap or long bath while your baby is sleeping.
• Eat a balanced diet. It will help to keep you strong.
• Try to let household chores go. Think more about taking care of yourself and your baby.

Think about therapy or counseling to help you in your relationship. Therapy can improve your feelings about yourself. It can help you feel better about your skills as a mother. It can help your self-confidence. An antidepressant medication may be necessary. Talk with either your primary care physician or your obstetrician. They are there to help you through this.

There is much more we still do not understand about postpartum depression. Having a baby is a normal crisis for every mother. Call your doctor if your feelings of helplessness are keeping you from caring for your baby.

Again, get help immediately if you:

• Are thinking of hurting your baby
• Are thinking of hurting yourself
• Are thinking of hurting others

Books that might be of help include:

Postpartum Survival Guide, by A. Dunnerwald and D.G. Sanford

Other sources of help include your local mental health agency or your employee assistance program.

Remember, you do not need to suffer.