Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or weakness. It is a serious condition that needs to be treated by your medical doctor or by a metal health professional. If you are feeling depressed after your baby’s birth, you may be embarrassed and reluctant to talk about it with others.
The birth of a baby often triggers a mix of powerful emotions, such as excitement and joy along with fear and anxiety. It is pretty common for mothers to feel the ‘baby blues’ after childbirth. These feelings usually last from a few days to a few weeks and may include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, crying, decreased concentration and trouble sleeping.
While these emotions are typical and are experienced by most women, they can also be a result of something less expected by the mother at that time – Depression. You may experience some or all of these symptoms: sadness, guilt, mood swings, extreme tiredness, feeling overwhelmed, changes of appetite, withdrawal from family and friends, and thoughts of harming yourself and the baby.
Some mothers experience a more severe type of Postpartum depression. they tend to feel confused and disoriented, they may feel paranoid and attempt to harm to baby. This is a more rare condition that may develop within the first two weeks after delivery. If you suspect that you are developing these symptoms you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Mothers experience significant physical, emotional and life style change during the first period following childbirth.
Physical Changes: After childbirth, a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone may contribute to postpartum depression. Similarly, your thyroid hormone may also drop sharply, which can lead you to feel tired and depressed. Changes that occur after birth in blood volume, blood pressure, and metabolism can lead to fatigue and mood swings.
Emotional Changes: Getting up several times during the night and feeling overwhelmed can leave you tired, and you may have trouble dealing with even small tasks. You may feel alone and lonely, unattractive, and feel anxious about your ability to care for your baby.
Lifestyle Changes: Staying home alone with a demanding infant, feeling lonely, difficulty breast-feeding, fatigue, or financial problems can also lead to postpartum depression.
Risk Factors
Mothers who have experienced bouts of depression in the past, had postpartum depression after a previous childbirth, have experienced stressful events during the past year, such as job loss, financial difficulties and pregnancy complications, experience marital problems, have a weak family and social support system, or feel that this pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted are at higher risk for postpartum depression.
Treatment
Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help change negative thoughts and feelings that lead to depression and provide effective coping skills to help alleviate postpartum depression symptoms. Therapy also provides safe and consistent support to the mother, as well as essential guidance during this time. Interpersonal relationships are explored and family members are encouraged to participate in the recovery process.
Medication
For mothers who still experience depression after several weeks of treatment, a referral to your medical doctor for medication are indicated as an adjunct to CBT.
SSRI’s are the most commonly used medication to treat postpartum depression. While they are effective in alleviating depression, any medication you take during breast feeding will enter your breast milk. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risk with your doctor.
Hormone Therapy may be used to counteract the rapid decrease of estrogen accompanies childbirth, which can help ease symptoms of postpartum depression. It is important to weigh the benefits and the risk associated with hormone therapy for postpartum depression with your medical doctor.
