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Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

 

Pregnancy and having a baby can be a joyous time in a woman’s life. However, some mothers feel sad or overwhelmed and may experience crying spells and mood swings after the birth of their baby. These emotions may be normal “baby blues.”

The “baby blues” typically begin about the third or fourth day after delivery and may come and go over the first year, but they don’t last long.  Having the “baby blues” is common – more than half of all new mothers experience this. . 

Postpartum depression

If your feelings of sadness last longer than a week after your baby is born, you should call your health care provider because you might be experiencing postpartum depression, which is a serious problem affecting about 9-16% of women. Postpartum depression does not go away on its own and tends to get worse without proper treatment. If untreated, it can affect your baby, too.

Postpartum depression affects women in many different ways. Following is a list of the most common symptoms:

  • Feeling hopeless or sad most of the time
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Feelings of increased irritability or high levels of anxiety
  • Sleeping or eating too much or too little Having no energy and not enjoying things that used to fun to you
  • Feelings of loneliness or thinking others don’t like you
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Unable to “get going” or feeling like everything is an effort
  • Difficulty focusing or recalling things Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

Treatment for postpartum depression

Psychological treatment and antidepressants are often used in combination. Psychological treatment alone may be used for those who are breastfeeding, if their symptoms are not severe. Support networks can be helpful, too. Things you can do:

  • Ask for help from your husband, family, friends or neighbors, even if it is for small tasks like minor chores or help running errands.
  • Caring for a baby is hard work! Don’t try to be a Super Mom! Get as much rest as possible
  • Eat a balanced diet Don’t spend too much time alone – spend time with your husband, share your experiences with other mothers of newborns
  • Take time for yourself! Get out of the house! Get dressed everyday, run errands or go for a walk around the block Don’t make any big life changes during your pregnancy or directly after.

If you are thinking of hurting your baby, yourself, or others, or if you are having trouble taking care of yourself or your baby, get immediate help. If you need help, or you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression, call your health care provider/doctor or call the National Postpartum Depression hotline at 1-800-PPD-MOMS (773-6667). You may wish to call your insurance company for a list of providers. If you are interested in talking to a psychologist, call Gay Lipchik, Ph.D., of Saint Vincent Health Psychology Services, at 814/454-4885 or e-mail her at glipchik@svhs.org.