Depression

Maternity Blues

As many as 90% of new mothers experience postpartum blues due to the sudden change in lifestyle, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and other reasons. Symptoms can include sudden mood swings, tearfulness, poor concentration, restlessness, and feeling disconnected from the baby.

Even though hormones play a role in postpartum blues and depression, dads and adoptive parents can experience it as well.

The blues usually start within a few days of the baby's birth and will not continue beyond two weeks.

Recognizing Postpartum Depression

While a large number of mothers experience postpartum blues, a small percentage of women suffer from postpartum depression. The cause of PPD is unknown, but it has been known to correlate with certain things, such as initial low self-esteem, childcare stress, prenatal anxiety, low levels of social support, and a history of previous depression or prenatal depression. While the stress from lifestyle change may contribute to PPD, mothers who did not suffer from PPD after the birth of their first child may experience it after subsequent children. Fathers can also have PPD.

PPD can happen any time within the first year of a child's birth.

Because PPD's symptoms are similar to maternity blues, it can be hard to tell which one you're dealing with. The two are not the same thing. Postpartum depression is a medical condition that can be cured. Get professional help if you suspect you have PPD.

You may be suffering from depression if her have the following symptoms:

No appetite or too much appetite.
Inability to sleep, even when nothing (such as the baby) is keeping you awake.
Feeling of hopelessness.
Trouble concentrating on routine tasks.
Disinterest in life.
Suicidal thoughts.
Postpartum blues symptoms last more than two weeks.
Social withdrawal.
Guilt.
Inability to be comforted.
Feeling unable to care for the baby adequately.
Lack of energy and motivation.

Treating Postpartum Depression

Both therapy and antidepressant medication have been shown to treat PPD.

Assistance from Others

Husbands and friends of new mothers can be a very important aid. This is especially significant as mothers may not be able to recognize their own PPD symptoms. Give her emotional support, help her maintain good nutrition, and allow her to rest by caring for the baby.

Effects on Babies

Some depression symptoms can affect a mother's ability to care for her child, and her sadness can make it hard to meat the child's need for affection. Studies have shown that babies do not learn as well from depressed, unenthusiastic moms and can have delays in language development, become insecure, or experience other problems.