Many women experience mood swings after childbirth. Their intense emotions can vary from intense joy and euphoria to feeling sad, hopeless and overwhelmed. Rapid hormonal changes in a woman’s body following pregnancy can trigger these symptoms.
The emotional roller coaster following childbirth is quite common, but yet it is extremely misunderstood. Although the terms baby blues and postpartum depression are often used interchangeably, the psychological and emotional differences of these moods vary widely.
Baby blues following childbirth can start about 3-4 days after delivery and may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Feelings are described as being tearful, sad, overly emotional, overwhelmed and fearful about taking care of a new baby. Other symptoms may include irritability, change in appetite, and trouble sleeping even when the baby is napping. Regardless of their anxiety, these moms continue to have a positive outlook about themselves and realize their capability of being a good mother.
The term postpartum depression is frequently tossed around, but seems to be very misunderstood. The diagnosis of postpartum depression is the same as depression but is distinguished by the timing of the onset and the duration of the symptoms. The diagnosis is given when the symptoms have persisted for over two weeks, and the problems have occurred within the first year following childbirth.
Women describe their feelings as being sad, hopeless, overwhelmed, frequent crying, trouble focusing, difficulty making decisions, being irritable, lacking motivation and energy, feeling worthless, and having a loss of interest in things that previously brought them joy. Additionally, problems such as trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, changes in appetite and withdrawal from family and friends are signs of postpartum depression. A mother with postpartum depression may also show little or no interest in her baby, and can demonstrate fear about hurting herself or her baby. A major difference in baby blues and postpartum depression is that postpartum depression impairs a women’s daily functioning and robs her of her sense of well-being.
Many women state that they are afraid and embarrassed to share these feelings with anyone. They then can become even more guilty because this is a time when they are supposed to feel happy.
One of the most useful treatments for postpartum depression is psychotherapy, or often referred to as “talk therapy”. Psychotherapists can assist mothers to feel better through an understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Additionally, many doctors recommend an antidepressant for treatment of post partum depression. Research has also shown that a combination of psychotherapy and medication can be the most effective treatment for a positive outcome. Women need to speak with their doctor, midwife, or other professional to learn more about their options for treatment during or after pregnancy.
Baby blues and post partum depression can be helped by getting as much rest as you can, getting help at home, talking to someone about your feelings, and also, by not spending too much time alone. Talking to your partner and spending some “alone” time together is always a good boost for feeling better. Learning from other mother’s experiences and joining a support group can reap many benefits for a new mom.
Postpartum depression not only hurts the mother, but also can affect the baby and the entire family. Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and feeling incapable of normal functioning that lasts longer than two weeks is NOT a normal part of Motherhood. There is help and there is no need for a mom to suffer alone.