Postpartum Depression

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Postpartum Depression:

A Guide for New Mothers and Families

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?

PPD is a condition that describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many mothers can have after having a baby. PPD can be treated with mediation and counseling. Talk with your health care provider right away if you think you have PPD.

Who is at risk for getting PPD?

PPD affects women of all ages, economic status, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Any woman who is pregnant, had a baby within the past few months, miscarried, or recently weaned a child from breastfeeding can develop PPD.

Women who have had problems with depression are more at risk for PPD than women who have not had a history of depression.

What causes PPD?

No one knows for sure what causes PPD. Hormonal changes in a woman’s body (during and after pregnancy) may trigger its symptoms and lead to depression.

Other things can contribute to PPD, such as: broken sleep patterns, feeling overwhelmed with a new baby, feeling stress from changes in work and home routines, having feelings of loss – loss of identity (who you are, or were, before having the baby), loss of control, loss of a slim figure and feelings of less attractiveness, having less free time, having to stay home indoors for longer periods of time, and having less time to spend with the baby’s father.

What are the symptoms of PPD?

Not wanting to be with people Impaired concentration/memory

Confusion/nervousness New fears/phobias

Lack of feeling/interest for the baby Hostile or easily angered

Not being able to sleep, being very tired, or both Feeling worthless or guilty

Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the baby Extreme or unusual behavior

Hallucinations or nightmare Irrational statements

Suspiciousness Headaches

Loss of interest in pleasurable activities Refusal to eat / overeating

Frantic, excessive energy Hopelessness, sense of powerlessness

Inability to cope Feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot

Lack of sleep Numbness, tingling in limbs

Lack of confidence Over-sensitivity; feelings easily hurt

Sadness Despondency or despair

How is PPD treated?

It is important to know that PPD is treatable and that it will go away. The type of treatment will depend on how severe the PPD is. PPD can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. Women with PPD are often advised to attend a support group to talk with other women who are going through the same thing.

If you think you might have PPD, there are things you can do to take care of yourself.

Steps to taking better care of oneself if suffering with PPD:

* Talk to your health care provider about medical treatment. Do not be shy about telling them your concerns. Not all health care providers know how to tell if you have PPD. Ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.

* Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.

* Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest! Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings.

* Get good, old-fashioned rest. Always try to nap when the baby naps.

* Eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise.

* Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house - run an errand or take a short walk.

* Join a support group for women with PPD. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.

Support Services:

Support groups can be very helpful for women with postpartum depression or other emotional problems after the birth of a baby. These groups can help a woman feel less alone, learn new coping skills, and find out about local resources.