Childbirth is a mix of powerful emotions like excitement, joy, fear and anxiety. Most new mothers have symptoms like mood swings, anxiety and crying spells etc. after childbirth which is called postpartum baby blues.
It may last up to two weeks, but some mothers experience a more severe and long-term depression known as postpartum depression. It’s one of the complications of childbirth. Undiagnosed and untreated postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
Studies show that postpartum depression can be experienced by the other partner too. Partners who are young, struggling financially, have relationship issues and have a history of depression are more at risk of postpartum depression. PPD in fathers sometimes called as paternal postpartum depression can have the same negative effect as mothers.
Symptoms:
- Baby Blues symptoms may include mood swings, sadness, anxiety, crying, trouble sleeping and feeling overwhelmed.
- Postpartum depression symptoms include depressed mood or severe mood swings, too much crying, intense irritability, insomnia, loss of energy, difficulty bonding with baby, reduced ability to concentrate or think clearly, thoughts of harming yourself or baby and feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy.
Causes:
- Postpartum depression is a caused by a combination on genetics, physical changes and emotional issues.
- After childbirth, drop in hormones like estrogen and progesterone may make you feel tired and depressed.
- Overwhelming childbirth experience, sleep deprivation and anxiety to take care of a newborn can contribute to postpartum depression.
Risk Factors:
- Postpartum depression can be experienced by any mom, and it can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first one.
- However, risk of postpartum depression increases if you have a history of depression, bipolar disorder, previous postpartum depression, have experienced stressful events during past year, weak support system and financial problems to name a few.
Complications:
- If not treated, postpartum depression can last for months and can interfere with mother baby bond development and cause family problems.
- It can also affect everyone close to a new baby, including your partner and other kids. Children more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems like sleeping and eating difficulties etc.
Prevention:
- Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of depression if you are planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you get pregnant.
- During Pregnancy, your provider may assess for depression and recommend treatment or therapy.
- After your baby is born, if diagnosed, your health provider may recommend treatment or therapy.
During each stage, health and wellness coach can help with counselling and customized plans for physical and mental health to support with or without recommended treatment from your health provider.
Treatment:
Recovery time and treatment vary depending on your level of depression. Your health care provider will suggest you the best treatment plan according to your assessment. In the meantime,
- Get as much rest as you can
- Ask family and friends to help
- Meditation and positive affirmations
- Take a ‘Me time’ break to take care of yourself
- Connect with other new moms
- Get professional help