I am doing a presentation today on Postpartum Depression, and I thought it would be helpful to include some of the best links to resources here. Clinically diagnosable Postpartum Depression occurs during an estimated 10% of pregnancies and childbirths.
This is a serious disorder which can have lasting negative effects on both mother and child. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that
Infants as young as three months of age are able to detect the affective [emotional] quality displayed by their mothers and modify their own affective displays in response to it. Cognitive skills, expressive language development, and attention have been adversely affected by maternal depression.
The AAFP lists these warning signs of the disorder:
- Persistent feelings of sadness and crying.
- Having little desire to eat.
- Significant weight gain or loss.
- Irritability, anxiety and restlessness.
- Inability to find pleasure or interest in life.
- Feeling exhausted or having no motivation to get things done.
- Insomnia.
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt.
More serious symptoms include:
- Thoughts of hurting the baby.
- Thoughts of hurting yourself.
- Not having any interest in the baby.
These more serious symptoms indicate the likely presence of Postpartum Psychosis, according to The National Women's Health Information Center. Postpartum psychosis
...occurs in about 1 to 4 out of every 1,000 births. It usually begins in the first 2 weeks after childbirth. Women who have bipolar disorder or another mental health problem called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk for postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include:
- Seeing things that aren't there
- Feeling confused
- Having rapid mood swings
- Trying to hurt yourself or your baby.
If you or someone you know fits this description, please seek medical help immediately. This is a medical emergency requiring URGENT care.
Also call your doctor if:
- Your baby blues don't go away after 2 weeks
- Symptoms of depression get more and more intense
- Symptoms of depression begin any time after delivery, even many months later
- It is hard for you to perform tasks at work or at home
- You cannot care for yourself or your baby
Your doctor can ask you questions to test for depression. Your doctor can also refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.
Some women don't tell anyone about their symptoms. They feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed when they are supposed to be happy. They worry they will be viewed as unfit parents.
Any woman may become depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby. It doesn't mean you are a bad or "not together" mom. You and your baby don't have to suffer. There is help.
Here are some other helpful tips
- Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
- Don't try to do too much work or try to be perfect.
- Ask your partner, family, and friends for help.
- Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
- Discuss your feelings with your partner, family, and friends.
- Talk with other mothers so you can learn from their experiences.
- Join a support group. Ask your doctor about groups in your area.
- Don't make any major life changes during pregnancy or right after giving birth. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes can't be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression can include psychotherapy or antidepressant medication. Sometimes a combination of the two is best.
Unfortunately, major depression affects 15 to 25 percent of adults in the US each year, and women are twice as likely to experience depression as men. Here is a self-help resource for those experiencing the "Baby Blues" to begin using proven techniques for dealing with depression.
But remember, Postpartum Depression is a serious condition which most often requires professional help for recovery.
Pardon the random dots and spaces. I'm still learning how to copy quotes with bullet headings. Any suggestions?
