Postpartum Depression

The term postpartum depression is commonly used to describe a range of symptoms that sometimes occur in women after childbirth. It is not uncommon for women to experience what is termed "baby blues" in the days following delivery. However, in approximately 10% of pregnancies, the symptoms are more serious and are severe enough to meet the criteria for major depression. In rare instances, an even more serious condition, postpartum psychosis occurs.

Baby Blues

After delivering a baby, it is not uncommon for some women to experience a period of time during which they feel "blue". Approximately 70% women experience the "baby blues". Some mothers describe this as feeling slightly "sad," "being down," or crying easily. Symptoms may also include impatience, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem, increased sensitivity, and heightened feelings of vulnerability. To mothers and families it can seem like a strange feeling to have, especially after successfully delivering a baby. Some mothers think, "I should be happy, what's wrong with me?" This period of time can last anywhere from a few hours to two weeks.

Post-Partum Depression

Sometimes, the symptoms last more than two weeks and are more severe. Instead of feeling "just a little down," mothers can feel miserable, are tearful daily, have problems sleeping (not just because the baby wants to feed or is crying), lose interest in doing anything, feel listless, lose their appetite, and even feel hopeless. If this situation lasts for more than a week or two, a mother might be experiencing postpartum depression. More on Postpartum Depression.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

- restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
- feelings of depression and/or anger
- an inability to sleep or extreme exhaustion or both
- unintended change in weight or appetite
- difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- an excessive amount of concern or disinterest in the baby
- feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and worthlessness
- a fear of harming the baby or one's self
- a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
- ability to function impaired

It is not known at this time, exactly why some mothers experience postpartum depression. However, a number of factors are thought to be involved in its development.

Emotional factors:

- A "let-down" after getting through childbirth
- No longer carrying the baby inside of you.
- Worrying about caring for a new baby.
- Stress related to the reponsibilities and expectations associated with a new baby

Physical factors:

- Drastic changes in the levels of hormones and other biologic substances as a woman's body switches from pregnancy back to its usual state.
- Thyroid levels may also drop after birth, producing symptoms of depression, such as mood swings, severe agitation, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety.
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion from taking care of a new baby may also play a role.

It is extremely important that mothers are aware of this condition because:

- There is treatment and help for this condition. If untreated, the symptoms may worsen and persist longer.
- When not addressed, depression can take away the joy of motherhood.
- Depression can also negatively effect the growing interactions between the mother and her new baby.

Postpartum psychosis:

Postpartum psychosis is relatively rare, occurring in 1 out of 500 to 1 out of 1000 births, but it is extremely serious and should be treated as an emergency medical situation.The onset is usually fairly sudden with symptoms including feelings of confusion, fatigue, agitation, alterations in mood, feelings of hopelessness and shame, delusions or hallucinations and mania.

It is extremely important that mothers are aware of this condition because:

- There is treatment and help for this condition.
- When not addressed, depression can take away the joy of motherhood
- Depression can also negatively effect the growing interactions between the mother and her new baby.

Patients with Depression can fall between the cracks. The doctors may not be available or aware when a mother might be suffering from depression. Usually, an obstetrician will see a new mother only once post-partum. The family physician or pediatrician may only see a new mother and child once during the first few weeks and then every two months for well-child checks.

You and your family and close friends know your moods best. You are the expert on your own patterns. Look for expert help if you think your moods are not their usual state.