Depression After Childbirth
Is this the “Baby Blues” or something more?
You just had your baby three days ago. You are tired, but in good health and recovering from your labor and birth. The baby is healthy and beautiful. Sure, she wakes up during the night, but that is normal newborn behavior. So, why do you start crying the moment that you wake in the morning? You are angry with your relatives for no apparent reason, can’t seem to sleep, your appetite is gone, and you can’t even make the simplest decisions.
What is wrong with you? Nothing! You probably have a case of the “Baby Blues”. About 7 out of 10 new mothers have the “Baby Blues” after childbirth. This does not mean that you are a bad mother, failure as a women, or mentally ill. It simply means that your body is recovering from birth and adjusting to the many changes that occur following the birth of a baby. These “Baby Blues” may occur 2 to 3 days after delivery, and are usually gone by 2 weeks postpartum. Talk with your partner, friends, or other new mothers for the support that you need. Get plenty of rest, sleep when your baby sleeps, and maintain a good diet.
A much smaller percentage of new mothers get postpartum depression. This is usually marked by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. Women who suffer from postpartum depression have difficulty functioning normally. If not recognized or treated, postpartum depression can get worse or last longer than it needs to. Among the signs of postpartum depression are the following:
- “Baby Blues” that don’t go away for longer that 2 weeks, or an onset of depression or anger that begins to surface more than a month or two after birth.
- Feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, hopelessness or helplessness that last more than 2 weeks or increases instead of getting better.
- Not being able to sleep even though tired. Or sleeping all the time, even when your baby is awake.
- Changes in your appetite.
- Either worrying about the baby too much, or having no interest in the baby.
- Having nervous or panic attacks.
- Fearing that you will harm the baby or yourself.
If you experience any of these symptoms, GET HELP. Take yourself seriously, and call your provider. Below is a list of resources if you suspect that you may have postpartum depression or just need someone to talk to after the birth of your baby.
Resources:
- Presbyterian Behavioral Health Postpartum support group: 291-2544
- Depression after Delivery: 1-800-944-4773
- Postpartum Support International (PSI): 1-805-967-7636
- 24 hr. Warmline: 1-805-564-3888
If you have any of the follwing risk factors, you may be at risk for Postpartum Depression:
- A previous psychiatric history during pregnancy or any other time
- Family history of mood disorder
- Psychosocial distress, i.e. maritla conflict, decreased support system
- Sensitivity to hormonally induced mood shifts
- Chronic sleep deprivation and fatigue
- Colicky, hard-to-care-for babies
- Medical complications in mother or infant
- Absense of support from family and friends; isolation