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Postpartum Depression
Overview
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Baby Blues, Anxiety or Postpartum Depression?
By the 3rd to 5th day after delivery, roughly 60–80 percent of women will experience the ‘baby blues.’ Symptoms include: crying easily, having difficulty concentrating, feeling sad, worrying about baby, feeling crabby, feeling tired all the time, feeling moody and/or having changes in appetite (increased or decreased). This mild depression or anxiety is caused by the drop in hormones after birth, physical exhaustion, lack of sleep and the new challenges mothers face. Fortunately, the ‘baby blues’ are temporary, with the symptoms decreasing within 2 weeks. Sometimes symptoms do not go away, become more intense or start later. In all these cases, a woman may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is like the ‘baby blues,’ but the feelings are stronger, last longer and interfere more with daily functioning. These feelings can be so overwhelming that a woman can’t get out of bed or care for her baby. In rare cases, the depression or anxiety is so serious that a woman has difficulty telling what is real and what is not. One in ten mothers experience postpartum depression.

The good news: postpartum depression is very treatable. You do not have to experience all of the above symptoms to be suffering from PPD. If you recognize yourself in the previous statements, call your health care provider. Do not wait until your 4–6 week appointment.

Don’t feel ashamed or weak; this did not happen because you are a bad mother.

Depression is a physical illness, not a character weakness. Your provider can help you decide what treatment is best. Prescription medications can help. Some are safe for breast-feeding mothers. Your provider may refer you to a counselor.

If you need help please call 1-800-944-4773.

Risk factors for postpartum depression.
Risk factors include, problems with your partner, stressful life events (loss of job, move, divorce), unplanned pregnancy, poor support from those around you, depression or anxiety during pregnancy, history of previous PPD, history of severe PMS, history of depression, history of alcohol or drug abuse, and/or physical or sexual abuse. Note: Being “at risk” does not mean you will experience PPD for sure. It means your chances are greater than someone who has not had these stresses. Also, a woman may have no risk factors but still experience PPD.

A note to family
A woman can be depressed but not realize it. She may think these thoughts and feelings are part of adjusting to motherhood. The depression makes it difficult for her to seek help because she feels overwhelmed and guilty. However, she does not need to suffer. She needs support and encouragement from you. If you think your loved one is depressed, help her call her health care provider.
Symptoms:
  • Feeling sad, irritable, angry, anxious and/or crying easily
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, even when baby is sleeping
  • Fatigue, lack of energy and/or lack of motivation
  • Constant worrying about baby’s health
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Lack of sexual drive
  • Feeling guilty or like you are a bad mother
  • Feeling like you don’t want to leave the house
  • Feeling like you will never get better
  • Thoughts about hurting or killing yourself or baby

Up to 80 percent of new moms experience baby blues. Mood disturbances that persist longer than two weeks, however, can be symptoms of a more serious condition known as postpartum depression.
Support :

For support and or additional resource contact
Holland Hospital Parent Advocates:
(616) 394-3703


You can find more information at Postpartum Support International