Postpartum Depression

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Postpartum Depression

As the name implies, Postpartum Depression or postnatal depression occurs up to six weeks after a women has given birth. She becomes unduly tired, has sleep difficulties, is filled with despair, lacks confidence, and loses her self-esteem. Mild moodiness and "blues" are very common after having a baby, but when symptoms are more than mild or last more than a few days, help should be sought. Post part depression can be extremely serious for both mother and baby.

Information on Postpartum/Postnatal Depression

• Many new mothers feel sad, afraid, angry, or nervous after their baby is born. These feelings, called postpartum or "baby" blues, are very common. Don't feel guilty about feeling sad or worried after your baby is born. These are normal feelings. It is normal to have mixed feelings about motherhood as your body adjusts to the changes that follow childbirth.
• When depressed, you may not be able to care for your baby or yourself. Severe depression usually goes away with treatment. But without treatment, it can get worse and may lead to thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.

The severity of the depression can range from very mild and almost non-existent, to very severe and long-term and tends to be most common after the first pregnancy.

Is pospartum depression the same as the baby blues?

No.

However, postpartum depression is not thought to be quite the same as 'baby blues' which affect the majority of women almost immediately after giving birth, when they swing in mood between feeling euphoric and tearful. 'Baby blues' are thought to be a direct result of the hormonal changes involved in the birth process.

Causes of postpartum depression:

Postpartum depression may be caused by several reasons, these includes:

• hormone changes in your blood that occur following childbirth.
• Stress,
• lack of sleep,
• poor diet, or not enough help may cause depression.
• family factors are also important, including the relationship a mother has with the child's father, and the support she receives from other people.
• Women who have mental health problems before childbirth are more likely to feel depressed after having a baby.

What is the Treatment for Postpartum/postnatal Depression?

Postpartum depression is a treatable illness that responds to the following modalities:

• breaking negative thought patterns.
• exercise and right diet.
• recognizing and accepting the disorder.
• psychotherapy
• creating support systems.
• reducing stressors in one's life.
• medication (antidepressants and anti anxiety drugs).

Care during Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression will often go away with rest and getting help from your family and friends. Counseling or medicines may be needed to treat your depression. Remember the following points:

• Take good care of yourself. Shower and dress each day. Don't forget to eat. Go for a walk or meet with a friend. Be sure to spend time with your partner. And it is important to have some time by yourself each day.
• Share your feelings with your partner, a friend, or another mother. Often just talking things out with someone you trust is a big help.
• Try to nap when the baby naps. Ask your partner to help with night feedings or other baby care if possible.
• Rest is important. Don't try to do everything. Ask your partner, family, or friends for help, especially if you have other children.

Puerperal Psychosis and Postpartum Depression

Puerperal Psychosis is the most severe form of depression associated with childbirth, and it only happens to about 1 women in 1000. It seems to be closely related whatever causes bipolar depressive disorders since there is a far higher incidence of it in women who have already experienced a bipolar depression (1 in 10).

The symptoms are similar to those which occur in severe forms of bipolar depression. The delusions, however, tend to center on the new baby. The mother may believe that it is deformed, the incarnation of evil or something similar and, because of her delusions, may try to harm either the baby or herself or both.

Postpartum Depression basics: Many new mothers feel sad, afraid, angry, or nervous after their baby is born. These feelings, called postpartum or "baby" blues, are very common.

Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum Depression Symptom: You may feel you can't cope with your baby and so feel guilty because of this. Or you may feel very sad and cry frequently.

PMDD Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Learn about basics of PMDD, some statistics related to PMDD and its diagnosis criterion.

PMDD Information - "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" (PMDD) is a real biological condition for which women seek treatment--and for which effective treatment is available.

Depression in Women - Statistics suggest that women are more likely to suffer from a depressive illness than men.

Treating Postnatal Depression : A Psychological Approach for Health Care Practitioners - by Jeannette Milgrom, et al

Conquering Postpartum Depression: A Proven Plan for Recovery - by Ronald, Md Rosenberg, Deborah, Ph.D. Greening, James Windell, Ronald Rosenberg, Deborah Greening

This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression - by Karen Kleiman, Valerie D. Raskin

Sleepless Days: 1 Woman's Journey Through Postpartum Depression - by Susan Kushner Resnick


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Site last updated: March 4, 2008

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