Finally your long-awaited baby has arrived!
After all those months, your pregnancy has come to an end, and you feel relieved. Now you start what is called the postpartum period, an exciting, yet tiring time for mothers.
This exciting, yet tiring time is when most mothers experience some degree of the “baby blues”. It can start in the first couple days after delivery. You may feel sad or overwhelmed. You may feel anxious and even have trouble sleeping or a loss of appetite.
Many moms feel guilty about these feelings. Does this make you a bad mom… already?! Of course, you are happy about your new baby… So, then why do you feel sad with unexplained crying episodes?
You are not alone.
The physical changes after delivery, combined with a lack of sleep and an understandable case of mild anxiety, are common causes of “baby blues.” These feelings are nothing to be ashamed of. They should subside in 3-5 days but note that they can last up to two weeks. In the meantime, try to take care of yourself with as much rest as possible and healthy eating. A good practice is to sleep when your baby sleeps—even a short “power nap” is beneficial. Don’t underestimate the impact of a 10-20 minute power nap!
Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition.
Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more serious medical condition. If your baby blues symptoms last longer than two weeks, you should to talk to your doctor. Having postpartum depression symptoms does not make you a bad mom, and it is not your fault. Postpartum depression, also referred to as PPD, is thought to be caused by a drop in hormones after delivery. About 1 in 10 new mothers experience these kinds of symptoms.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms to be aware of:
- Continuous feelings of being sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
- Losing interest in your baby, feeling disconnected
- Trouble sleeping, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
- Change in eating, eating too much or too little
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Feeling depressed most of the day
- Feeling like a failure
- Losing interest in activities that used to bring pleasure
- Crying often
- Thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or someone else
It is important that you notify your medical provider right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Postpartum depression can be treated with medication, therapy, and support groups. It is also important to know if you are at risk for postpartum depression and also that it can appear up to a year after childbirth.
If you don’t have a medical provider, call us, and we may be able to help you find a local doctor to assist you.
Some women may be more likely to experience PPD symptoms due to additional personal/family mental health history and other life factors.
Risk Factors that may make you more likely to experience Postpartum depression:
- Personal history of depression or bipolar disorder
- Family history of depression or bipolar disorder
- Lack of support from family and friends
- You have an addiction to drugs or alcohol
- You had PPD in a previous pregnancy
- You had an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Your baby has special needs
- You are having trouble breastfeeding
- You are having relationship issues
- You are having money issues
- You felt depressed during pregnancy
The most important thing to realize is that help is available. Postpartum depression is treatable. The first step toward getting better is to recognize you need help. The second step—for the health of you and your baby—is to reach out and get it!
Lisa Zartman, RN, RNC-MNN®
Guest Contributor | Lisa Zartman is a Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN®) with over 25 years of experience working with new moms and babies in Maternity at a local hospital. She is also a freelance nurse writer.
Lisa Zartman, RN, RNC-MNN®
Guest Contributor | Lisa Zartman is a Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN®) with over 25 years of experience working with new moms and babies in Maternity at a local hospital. She is also a freelance nurse writer.
This information is presented as an informational tool only. It is not intended to replace medical advice or care from a qualified medical provider.