Postpartum Depression

Mood swings after childbirth is fairly common when you consider the hormonal changes that your body is experiencing now that you’ve given birth… not to mention the changes your body has seen over the last 40 weeks! Moods can take you from happy to sad in and instant and it’s common to feel this way between 7 to 10 days after giving birth. Doctors and society as a whole seem to call this time period the “baby blues.” But, this is not postpartum depression.

Postpartum is clinically diagnosed and affects 10 to 15% of women any time from one month to a year after childbirth. Symptoms may include:

• Feelings of Guilt
• Decreased Energy or Motivation
• Sense of Worthlessness
• Sleeping Difficulties
• Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
• Worries of Hurting Yourself or Your Baby

Futhermore, about 1% of women who develop postpartum depression are at risk for developing postpartum psychosis within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms may include:

• Refusing to Eat
• Frantic Energy
• Sleep Disturbance
• Paranoia
• Irrational Thoughts

Women diagnosed with postpartum psychosis typically need hospitalization.

Researchers and doctors alike are not sure what the root cause of postpartum depression is, but think that the dramatic shifts in hormone levels during pregnancy and immediately afterward may result in chemical changes in the brain leading to postpartum depression. Additionally, childbirth is a major life event that can and often times does, create ongoing stress and contribute to depression. A new Mom’s responsibility for her baby, the household and her work duties upon returning after maternity leave may affect her risk of getting postpartum depression.

There’s good news though. Like diabetes, heart disease and other common conditions, postpartum depression is an illness that can be successfully treated with medicine and therapy. Typically women treated with a combination of antidepressants and talk therapy usually show marked improvement.

Research are making progress in understanding how changing hormone levels and other factors affect the brain after childbirth. The hope is the ongoing research will develop better medications for treating postpartum depression by targeting the chemical pathways they’re uncovering.

If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from postpartum depression, it’s important to show support and understanding during this stressful time to help a new Mom avoid the stigma, shame, and isolation often associated with postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is common and treatable. Having postpartum depression after giving birth does not make a woman a bad Mother! If you believe you are suffering from postpartum depression, ask your health care provider to recommend a therapist or support groups that can help in your recovery.

Quick Facts About Postpartum Depression

• Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide.
• Nearly twice as many women (12%) as men (7%) are affected by a depressive disorder each year.
• Women with postpartum depression have a 50% chance of getting it after subsequent pregnancies and may be at an increased risk for future depression not associated with pregnancy.
• Women with a family history of depression and bipolar disorder are more likely to get postpartum depression.