While everyone is excited for the new parents, the mom may not be showing the same excitement. After the birth of the baby, many moms may feel a little down. It is often referred to as the baby blues. For some women, it may be the beginning of something more serious, postpartum depression. Postpartum affects between 10%-20% of new moms.
Adjusting to the following changes may lead to baby blues (crying, mood swings, irritability, sadness, edginess):
• Hormones
• Life style changes
• Lack of sleep
• Responsibilities
• Reality of being a mom vs expectations
The symptoms are common and usually last a couple weeks. Around 50% of women who give birth will experience having the baby blues. When the symptoms are more intense, interfere with daily life, and affect the care of the baby, the new mom may be suffering from postpartum depression.
The following will put a mom at risk for postpartum depression:
• History of depression
• Stopping medication during pregnancy
• Inadequate social support
• Postpartum depression with previous pregnancy
• Marital conflict
• Major changes (death in family, job loss, move)
• Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
• Birthing plan changes and/or complications
• Cesarean section delivery
• Mental illness
• Brain chemistry imbalance
Postpartum depression can intensify to the point the mom, the baby, and other children in the house may be at risk. Postpartum depression should not go untreated. Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression:
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Intense anger
• Highly irritable
• Excessive fatigue
• Severe mood swings
• Withdraw from baby, family, and friends
• Thoughts of harming self, baby, and/or other children in home
• Other symptoms of depression
Medical treatment for postpartum depression should be sought when the symptoms don’t begin to fade after a few weeks or become so intense and severe that the symptoms interfere with the mom completing everyday tasks. Not getting around to a task because of the added responsibilities of the baby is different than not being able to function due to the symptoms of postpartum depression. Treatment for postpartum depression includes counseling, anti-depression medications, and hormonal therapy. Postpartum depression can last for a couple months or continue on for a year.
Postpartum depression should be discussed with a health care professional. In addition a new mom can increase the times she rests. The house will wait and a different standard of clean may need to be considered for a while to make sure the mom gets sufficient rest instead of spending her time cleaning. New moms can also get with other moms for support. It is important that a mom who suffers from postpartum depression can talk with her partner, family, and friends regarding her feelings. Eating properly, especially if nursing, will maintain consistent blood sugar levels.
Guilt and lack of information about postpartum depression may interfere with a woman seeking help when she suffers from post partum depression. The support of family and friends can help her seek care and treatment.
