Most women experience some sort of Baby Blues after delivery but do you know the difference between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression? I gave birth to my 3rd child at age 46. It was an unexpected pregnancy and we were totally unprepared. Add to the stress of turning our retirement dreams into another round of parenting, then top that off with a birth defect diagnosis of club feet which led to the baby’s legs in casts, then surgery, then braces and I had a full blown case of Postpartum Depression. My depression displayed itself as impatience, exhaustion, anxiety, anger, guilt over the birth defect and loss of appetite.
Baby blues last from a few days to a few weeks and include the following symptoms: crying, decreased concentration, mood swings, irritability, Sadness, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Not that many new moms get a lot of sleep anyway in the first few months.   Postpartum depression can begin like the baby blues except the symptoms are stronger and last longer. The symptoms can become so severe they interfere with your ability to care for your baby and functioning of daily activities.  The symptoms of postpartum depression may include: loss of appetite, Insomnia, Intense irritability and anger, overwhelming fatigue, loss of interest in sex, lack of joy in life, feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy, severe mood swings, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family and friends or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.
Causes of Postpartum Depression are varied. Lack of sleep combined with Hormone changes and lifestyle changes are the most common. Bringing a new baby into your home causes a lot of upset and emotional stress. Concern over being a good parent is normal. Crying constantly over your concerns or even a casual consideration of suicide isn’t normal.
Treatment of the Baby Blues is pretty simple. Get some rest, don’t be afraid to ask your family, spouse or friends for help. Let them take care of the baby for a few hours so you can get some much needed sleep and stay away from Alcohol, it only makes the symptoms worse.
Postpartum Depression treatments are either Antidepressants or hormones, if the depression is more severe counseling may be required.
The only reason to be afraid of Postpartum Depression would be not admitting you have it. Be honest with your doctor about what you are feeling and let the doctor decide if you are suffering from the baby blues or depression.   If your doctor doesn’t ask how you are feeling TELL HIM. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above you need to let your doctor know as soon as possible. Untreated postpartum depression can hinder mother-child bonding and actually cause behavioral problems in the child.  Temper tantrums, hyperactivity, sleeping and eating disorders are some of those problems as well as developmental delays.
Risking your health AND the health and happiness of your baby isn’t worth trying to ’suffer’ through what could be postpartum depression. Don’t take the risk. Postpartum Depression is nothing to be ashamed of.
