Postpartum Depression

While it’s normal for women to experience a mild case of the “baby blues,” postpartum depression is a serious illness. Also known as PPD, it can affect any woman who is pregnant, has recently delivered a baby, weaned a child from breastfeeding, or had a miscarriage.

The condition is not related to age, economic status, ethnicity, or the number of children a woman has had. However, women with a previous history of mental illness are at an increased risk for postpartum depression.

Signs of postpartum depression include:

• Crying
• Feeling restless and irritable
• Overeating
• Losing interest in sex and other activities you once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Either sleeping too much or too little
• Headaches, backaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms that don’t respond to medical treatment
• Having no energy to care for yourself and your child

Many women who are suffering from postpartum depression are excessively worried about the safety of their babies. However, if you are having thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself, call your healthcare provider immediately. You may have a rare but serious form of depression known as postpartum psychosis.

While experts are uncertain what causes PPD, the hormonal changes of pregnancy are thought to play a significant role. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body increases greatly. This sudden fluctuation can trigger symptoms of depression in women who are already susceptible.

Although hormone levels can provide the physical trigger for postpartum depression, lifestyle changes can aggravate the condition. These factors can include:

• A disruption in sleep patterns caused by midnight feedings
• Trouble adjusting to the lack of control that comes with parenthood
• Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a fragile newborn
• Poor body image caused by pregnancy-related weight gain
• Anxiety caused by balancing work and family responsibilities
• Tension in the relationship with your child’s father
• A difficult recovery from a cesarean delivery or episiotomy

Postpartum depression requires medical attention. Untreated depression can interfere with your ability to be an effective parent and prevent you from bonding with your baby.

Typically, PPD is treated with a combination of talk therapy and antidepressants. This approach helps patients deal with their immediate symptoms while developing long-term plans for behavior management.

It’s important to talk about your feelings to a psychologist, therapist, or social worker. He/she can help you develop strategies to cope with the stress of motherhood. Ask your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician to recommend a qualified mental health professional in your area.

When used properly, antidepressants can work miracles for women suffering from postpartum depression. However, these medications do have side effects that must be weighed against the potential benefits. Also, some antidepressants can be passed into the breast milk of nursing mothers.

• Postpartum Education for Parents
• Postpartum Support International
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Mental Health Information Center
• American Psychological Association

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