Postpartum Depression Facts
Understanding the Possibility of PPD
What is one piece of information that should be on your expectant mom to-do list? Knowing the facts about Postpartum Depression is a great way to prepare since one in eight women suffer from this medical condition after giving birth. This statistic may not be something you necessarily learn about when you are pregnant, but it really should be. Knowing what to be aware of and how to get help is vital, should you wind up being the one in eight.
Pregnancy to Birth
While you are pregnant, it is all about taking care of you. This is wonderful and can be a beautiful time of life. What people don’t always tell you is that once the baby comes, the focus will immediately shift to your baby. While this is a natural progression, this is also when you will be possibly nursing and definitely sleeping intermittently. Because you will be sleep deprived you may notice fluctuations in your mood. One way to help with this is to pass the baby to your partner or other family members so you can sleep when the baby sleeps. Making sure you have someone to talk to about how you are feeling is another good way to refuel.
Many women notice that their once predictable life has become completely impossible to schedule. This can be hard for people who like to feel in control. Whether or not you are going back to work, the quality of time you spend right after the baby is born may seem unfocused and exhausting. Letting go and reducing expectations are recommended ways to approach this beginning stage.
The Baby Blues vs. PPD
Changes in hormones and interrupted sleep can affect your mood at this time. This phenomenon is called the baby blues and affects about 70-85% of new moms. The baby blues, also known as postpartum blues, usually start within three days of giving birth and can last up to 14 days. They typically go away on their own without treatment and rarely require more than a few days of rest and support.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is more intense and must be present for more than 2 weeks to distinguish it from the baby blues. PPD can occur after any birth, beginning any time after a woman delivers, but usually begins two to three weeks after giving birth. PPD can last for a few months or up to a year and a half, or longer, if untreated. PPD often requires counseling and treatment to resolve itself.
Are there any risk factors of having PPD?
A personal or family history of depression or anxiety puts one at higher risk for PPD. Other related factors are an unwanted pregnancy; a complicated or difficult labor; a fetal abnormality; difficulty with breastfeeding, a lack of social support; and a temporary upheaval, such as a recent move, death of a loved one, or job change. Women who have previously suffered from depression or anxiety following the birth of a child have an increased risk following a subsequent delivery. In women with a history of PPD, the risk of recurrence is about one in three to one in four.
What causes PPD?
While the causes are not known, research suggests that PPD may be triggered by the hormonal shifts that occur after delivery and are greatly exacerbated by the stress of a major life change. PPD is a medical condition that can be treated.
Are there obvious warning signs of PPD?
Yes. Symptoms include deep sadness, irritability, apathy, intense anxiety, lack of appetite, inability to sleep, crying spells, intense worrying, and highly impaired concentration and decision-making. Women with PPD have feelings of being overwhelmed, are unable to cope with daily tasks, and feel guilty about not being a good enough mother.
What is the most appropriate treatment for PPD?
PPD can be successfully treated with medications, supportive psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Counseling may be all that is needed for women with mild symptoms. Special consideration must be given to breastfeeding women, but a number of antidepressants can safely be used by mothers who choose to continue nursing.
It is very important that new moms not blame themselves. PPD is extremely treatable and has nothing to do with how much you love your baby. A new moms spouse/partner and family can support them by educating themselves about PPD and supporting them as they recover.