(What is Post-Partum Depression? first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in March 2015.)
Having a baby or know someone who is? It’s important to understand post-partum depression and the warning signs. Kimberly Amsley-Camp, Certified Nurse Midwife at Keystone Women’s Care, shares what you need to know.
Depression
Post-partum depression (PPD) can affect new mothers at any time from 2 weeks after baby’s birth through the first year. All women are at risk and one in five women will experience post-partum depression. Symptoms include feeling sad, feeling you can’t care for your baby, not able to make decisions, feeling like a failure as a mother, unable to perform usual duties or unable to get out of bed or leave the home.
Prevention
Although having a baby is a happy time it can be very stressful. PPD symptoms may be mild to severe, with the most dangerous being, thoughts of harming yourself or baby. Women with a personal history of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or a family history of depression are at higher risk. Talk to your physician or midwife before labor and birth to plan ahead to prevent problems. If you or someone you know has thoughts of harming themselves or the baby, call 911.
Baby Blues
Post-partum depression is very different from experiencing the Baby Blues, which are completely normal. Women will have short periods of mood swings, crying or feeling cranky or restless during the first few weeks after birth. This happens in the first or second week after giving birth and lasts less than a week. Baby blues are normal and don’t require treatment but Post-partum depression needs to be addressed with a health care provider.
Support is Important
It’s important to enjoy your baby and motherhood and to develop coping skills to handle the demands of motherhood. Sometimes moms are ashamed and embarrassed to admit they are overwhelmed – counseling, medication, and support groups can help. Moms need to feel free to express themselves and share their feelings. Exercise, diet, and rest are very important along with family support and friendship.
When to get help
Changing hormone levels after pregnancy, low levels of thyroid hormones, and expectations versus the reality of motherhood can contribute to PPD. If mom suffers from increased crying, irritability, hopelessness and sadness, poor self-care, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, exhaustion, fatigue, withdrawal or isolation from family and friends, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If you have any thoughts of harming your baby or yourself, call 911 immediately.
For more information about Keystone Women’s Care, click here.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
