Having a baby is often described as one of life’s happiest moments, but for many new moms, it can also bring feelings of worry and self-doubt – especially for first-time mothers. It’s completely normal to feel this way. However, if you’re experiencing intense sadness, loneliness, severe mood swings, or frequent crying spells, you may be dealing with postpartum depression (PPD).
Postpartum depression is a real and serious condition that can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming.
Discussed in this article are the things you need to know about postpartum depression, the types, and factors that increase the chances of experiencing postpartum depression, among other important details about it.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum depression (also called PPD) is a type of depression that happens after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of women and involves emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety.
Types Of Postpartum Depression?
There are three types of postpartum disorders and they are:
1. Postpartum Blues Or Baby Blues
It affects between 50% and 75% of women after delivery.
It involves experiencing sadness, anxiety, and frequent, prolonged bouts of crying for no apparent reason.
The condition usually begins in the first week (one to four days) after delivery. Although the experience is unpleasant, the condition usually subsides within two weeks without treatment. The best solution to this is to find support and help from friends, family, or partner.
2. Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a far more serious condition than baby blues, affecting about 1 in 7 new moms.
According to Cleveland Clinic, if you’ve had postpartum depression before, your risk increases to 30% at each pregnancy.
Postpartum depression involves experiencing alternating highs and lows, frequent crying, irritability, and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inability to care for your baby or yourself.
3. Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is an extremely severe form of postpartum depression and requires emergency medical attention.
This condition is relatively rare, affecting only 1 in 1,000 women after delivery.
The symptoms generally occur quickly after delivery and are severe, lasting for a few weeks to several months.
Symptoms include severe agitation, confusion, feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid speech, or mania. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention since there is an increased risk of suicide and risk of harm to the baby. Treatment will usually include hospitalization, psychotherapy, and medication.
Factors That Can Increase The Risk Of Having Postpartum Depression
Certain factors can increase your risk of having postpartum depression and they include:
- Having a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Limited social support
- Marital or relationship conflict
- Ambivalence about the pregnancy
- Pregnancy complications like health conditions, difficult delivery, or premature birth
- You’re younger than 20 or a single parent
- Having a baby with special needs or a baby who cries a lot
Signs Of Postpartum Depression
You may have postpartum depression if you experience some of the following:
- Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless or guilty
- Worrying excessively or feeling on edge
- Loss of interest in hobbies or things you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or not eating
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time
- Crying for no reason or excessively
- Difficulty thinking or focusing
- Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead
- Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby
- Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby
Treatments For Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom; it just means you need help, just like with any other illness.
According to an article by UNICEF, below are treatments for postpartum depression:
1. Self-care
To help with postpartum depression, ensure you are getting enough care and support at home.
You should talk to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help.
Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy, rest whenever you get the chance, get as much sleep as you can at night, exercise regularly, and eat healthy diets.
2. Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
There are a number of psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) that work well for postpartum depression and anxiety. Talk to your healthcare provider about finding a mental health professional to help you navigate these feelings.
3. Medication
Several medications are effective for managing and reducing symptoms of postpartum depression.
While small amounts of antidepressants can be passed through breast milk, there is generally minimal impact on milk supply and infant well-being. Before starting any medication, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about an option that works best for you.
4. Speak To People With Similar Experiences
Often, it is possible to feel that you are the only one feeling the way you do.
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about peer support and advice groups available to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is also important to speak with your friends and family members about how you are feeling.
5. Be Kind To Yourself
Finally, you must be kind to yourself in the journey of your recovery.
You might have many expectations for yourself as a parent, but don’t bother yourself when you don’t meet up at times.
Try to treat yourself as you would treat a friend, and be kind to yourself.
This article has listed the important things you need to know about postpartum depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression after having a baby, know that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault.
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