Baby Blues
The birth of a baby is a joyful and happy time, but for various reasons, many women (60-80%) experience a mild and temporary form of depression commonly referred to as the “Baby Blues.” Possible triggers include the sudden hormonal changes following delivery, the stress and lack of sleep that occur while caring for a newborn.
Symptoms of the Baby Blues usually appear within the first week or two following delivery, and may last for several weeks following. Symptoms include: feelings of tiredness; mood swings; feelings of loss, frustration or anger; unexplained weeping; irritability; inability to sleep.
How should you deal with these feelings? First, try to get some help with the baby and some rest. Many mothers find these feelings go away after adequate rest. Share your feelings with your partner, and find a friend or family member to talk to as well. Most of the time, the main thing you need is a hug and a shoulder to cry on.
If you do not feel better within a few weeks, or if you are concerned about the way you are feeling, be sure to call your health care provider.
Postpartum Depression
While many women will experience Postpartum Blues (“Baby Blues”), in some women these feelings of depression will persist – Postpartum Depression (PPD). If these feelings persist or worsen, medical attention is needed to help you get through this time.
Some symptoms of PPD are similar to the Baby Blues, but become more intense. Other symptoms include: insomnia; persistent sadness; lack of interest in nearly all activity; anxiety; change in appetite; persistent feelings of guilt; thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
You or a family member need to be aware that sometimes the feelings of guilt will keep some mothers from admitting that they are depressed. Partners or other family members may need to be the ones to contact your health care provider.
So how do you know when the baby Blues have become PPD, and you need to seek medical attention? Contact your health care provider:
- If you or your family suspect that you are experiencing postpartum depression;
- If the “Blues” do not seem to go away two to three weeks following delivery, or feelings seem to intensify;
- If you do not want to be with your baby;
- If you become so angry or frustrated that you worry that you may harm yourself or your baby;
- If you are overeating or not eating at all;
- If you are having increased difficulty coping with everyday frustrations;
- If you are experiencing little satisfaction and enjoyment with motherhood.
- Source: University of Rochester
- Link: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ob-gyn/obstetrics/after-delivery/common-conditions.aspx
