Post-Partum Depression

Is it Post-Partum Depression? Or the baby blues?

Whether your a new mom of one, two, or more, feelings of sadness can occur shortly after the delivery of your new bundle of joy. “Bundle of joy? Why call it that?” you might say, “This one never stops screaming.” If you have feelings of intense sadness, guilt, and sometimes anger, you may have Postpartum Depression and should seek professional help immediately.

Postpartum depression (also called PPD) is a type of depression that some women get after having a baby. PPD is usually presented as feelings of deep sadness that can last weeks, sometimes months. These feelings can make it difficult for you to take care of your baby and yourself.

About 1 of every 7 women has postpartum depression after giving birth. PPD is the most common complication for women who have just had a baby.

PPD can happen any time after childbirth. It often starts within 1 to 3 weeks after delivery. Like any other medical condition, it requires treatment for symptoms to improve.

Here’s what you need to know about PPD:

It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything to cause PPD. It doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad mother.
You are not alone. Many women have PPD. In fact, it’s the most common problem for new moms.
You can get help and your depression can resolve completely.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you have PPD. Your provider may have you fill out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. This is a 10-item questionnaire that will help identify PPD. There are lots of treatments that can help you feel better to let you enjoy being a mom.

Is PPD the same as the baby blues?

No. PPD lasts longer and is more serious than baby blues. Baby blues are feelings of sadness you may have 3 to 5 days after having a baby. You may have trouble sleeping, be moody or cranky, and cry frequently. These feelings usually go away about 10 days after your baby’s birth. If they don’t, schedule an appointment with your provider.

What causes PPD?

While there is no root cause identified, it can happen to any woman after having a baby.

Changing hormone levels after pregnancy are a common cause of PPD. During pregnancy, your body has higher levels of Estrogen and Progesterone. But in the first 24 hours after giving birth, these hormones quickly go back to their normal levels. This rapid drop in hormone levels may lead to PPD.

Other causes of PPD are contributed to thyroid issues. The thyroid is a gland in your neck that helps your body use and store energy from food. Hypothyroidism is a condition where your Thyroid is performing under its necessary ability or is deficient.

Postpartum depression is not something to ignore. While these serious symptoms seem to only be happening to you, the fact is that it’s a common problem and CAN be resolved with proper treatment!

If you have just delivered and are concerned you might have postpartum depression, schedule an appointment today and get help.

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