Welcoming a new baby into the world is an occasion marked by many emotions – from joy, adoration and attachment, to feelings of worry, isolation and even depression. Up to 8 in 10 new parents report feeling overwhelmed and sad in the first few weeks after giving birth. But what if these feelings persist? Or become debilitating? Or even visit us again several weeks later? It could mean it’s time to seek mental health support for postpartum depression.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth and it affects 1 in 7 new parents. It is occasionally said postpartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after delivery. Rarely, people may develop an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis after childbirth. PPD mainly affects the laboring mother, but it has also been reported in her partners.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
As a parent-to-be, you probably will you often hear the term “baby blues”.. Many people experience this short period of unexplained crying characterized by mild feelings of sadness and irritability for the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth. But how can you tell if what you’re experiencing is more than that? Postpartum depression differs from the baby blues in terms of its severity and duration. If left untreated, PPD can persist for months or even years. People with PPD experience more severe emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt and anxiety, and some even have thoughts of harming themselves or harming their baby.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
If you feel withdrawn from your baby, overly overwhelmed, anxious, or sad, express your concerns to your healthcare provider so they can begin screening and monitoring for depression. Additional PPD symptoms may include:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Restlessness, excessive tiredness or loss of energy
- Lack of interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Intense irritation and anger
- Desperation
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or fear of inadequacy
- Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
- Intense anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis
Although rare – affecting only 1 in 1000 new mothers – postpartum psychosis is an extreme form of PPD. Women with a personal or family history of depression or other mental health conditions are at greater risk of developing PPP. Other factors thought to contribute to this condition are: vitamin deficiencieselectrolyte imbalances, PPD/PPP in previous pregnancies, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and other health conditions such as pre-eclampsia. Symptoms of PPP may include:
- Make attempts to harm yourself or your baby
- Feelings of paranoia
- Feeling confused and lost
- Having obsessive thoughts about your baby
- Display hallucinations/hallucinations
- Difficulty sleeping
- Having increased energy
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of PPD through your doctor is important for both you and your baby. While there’s no test to diagnose postpartum depression, having an open and honest conversation with your doctor about how you’ve been feeling since giving birth is best. During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will ask you to complete a short survey about your mental state – it is important to answer the questions honestly and to the best of your ability, as your answers may indicate whether you are experiencing PPD. During this appointment, your doctor may also discuss your personal and family medical history, ask how you are adjusting to motherhood, and perform a physical or pelvic exam. Occasionally doctors will order a blood test to rule out any thyroid diseases as many symptoms of thyroid disease are similar to those of depression.
There are many treatment options is available for postpartum depression, which includes antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication, talk therapy and group participation support. Treatment options for PPP include medication for depression, anxiety, and psychosis. If you are considered a danger to yourself or others, you may be admitted to a treatment facility for observation while you adjust to your medication. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be given if other treatments fail.
If you are breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options that are safe for nursing mothers. Medicines you take will be transferred (at a generally low rate) through your milk to your baby.
Can I prevent PPD/PPP?
Although depression cannot be completely prevented, having realistic expectations for yourself and your baby can help prevent it. The days of early motherhood go by much faster than you think. Take this time to bond with your baby, create routines that work for you, know where you spend your time and energy, and keep it for the things that matter. Limit visitors and set limitsgo for a daily walk or run (after getting rid of physical activity), take supplements designed for postpartum health, such as Postpartum mood support and ours Total postnatal + DHAask for help and allow others to help, stay involved in things that bring you joy, and accept that there will be good days and not so good days.
Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that affects nearly 15% of all new parents. You cannot control the chemical, biological, and physical factors that lead to PPD. The best thing you can do is advocate for yourself and your baby and talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may be struggling with postpartum depression.
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