Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mix of emotional and behavioral changes in some women after delivery. Research has proved that postpartum depression is a significant depression that mainly starts after four weeks of delivery. Most new mums experience postpartum baby blues, a less severe case than depression.

Baby Blue symptoms include crying, appetite loss, sadness, anxiety, mood swings, reduced concentration, and trouble sleeping. The baby blues may begin two days after delivery and last up to two weeks.

Postpartum depression is linked to social, psychological, and chemical changes that occur during birth. Chemical shifts are brought by the drop of hormones after delivery. Doctors say that the levels of progesterone and estrogen rise during pregnancy and then rapidly drop after delivery. Additionally, the changes in the social and behavioral environment of the mother increase the risk of postpartum depression.

1 out of 10 women is likely to experience severe depression after delivery. Surprisingly, even some dads experience depression when their child is born.

Postpartum Depression Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of depression are more intense and longer lasting than those of the baby blue condition. Postpartum depression can interfere with your way of handling your infant. Symptoms include;

• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Fear that you are not a good mother
• Restlessness
• Crying
• Low libido
• Severe and frequent mood swings
• Hard to bond with your baby
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Loss of energy and feeling overwhelmed
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Feeling inadequate, worthlessness, guilt or shame
• Thoughts to harm yourself or the baby, suicidal thoughts.
• Inability to think appropriately or make the right decisions

If not treated, postpartum depression could last longer. This can be dangerous for the baby. Seek professional help if the symptoms exceed two weeks, when you cannot function properly, you cannot cope with daily situations, have extreme feelings of anxiousness, scared and panic and if the thoughts of harming yourself or the baby ever cross your mind.

What are the risk factors that increase Postpartum Depression?

• Young or single parent
• No or limited social support
• Marital conflicts
• Having a baby who cries a lot
• Personal or family history of depression
• Pregnancy complications
• Premature birth or difficult delivery
• Financial problems
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• The pregnancy was unplanned

What Causes Postpartum depression?

There is no specific cause of postpartum depression, but emotional and physical factors may contribute to its occurrence.

1. Anxiety- a new mother may feel anxious about caring for a newborn.
2. Self-image- new moms may struggle with the unique sense of identity and feel less attractive.
3. Hormones- The drop in progesterone and estrogen after birth may cause mood swings.
4. Sleep-deprived – when you lack enough sleep, you may find it difficult to attend to minor issues.

How can I prevent the Occurrence of Postpartum Depression?

In case of personal or family history of depression, please notify your doctor during your first antenatal clinic. It will help the doctor monitor the symptoms during pregnancy.

Mild symptoms during pregnancy can be managed by attending counselling and therapy.

After childbirth, talk to your doctor for an early postpartum checkup. A checkup will help you know your status, and the earlier the diagnosis, the earlier you begin your treatment which is good for you.

How to cope with Postpartum Depression

As a new mom, especially a first-time mum, it is ok to feel overwhelmed. Please don’t hate yourself for feeling like you are losing it. Caring for a newborn, a new addition to the family is not easy. You will need acceptance and support. If you are undergoing depression, please don’t suffer alone. Your doctor can help you. Also, you can;

• Talk to someone about your situation, a therapist, friend, or family who will listen to you and not judge.
• Join a supportive community for new moms
• Eat healthily
• Prioritize yourself
• Have your own time, let someone handle the baby for you, and take your time alone. You can take a long warm shower or rest.
• Have time for selfcare. Take care of your hair and your body to reduce any instances of feeling worthless.
• Talk to friends over the phone or invite one or two to your house
• Have a helper to attend to house chores and run errands
• Talk to your spouse
• Initiate a healthy activity like reading a book.

To help someone undergoing Postpartum depression, be a good listener and do not judge them for whatever reason they are depressed about. Offer help to handle the baby or run errands while the mum is resting. Additionally, please encourage them to seek professional help and go with them.

Tips on How to Manage after Childbirth

• Be realistic about your expectations for yourself.
• Ask for help. Have someone to help you around. Accept help when someone offers it. Sometimes as new moms, we tend to own our babies too much that we don’t want anyone touching them. This can deprive your energy. If someone offers to help, let them do it. 
• Expect both good and bad days.
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Limit visitors when the baby is days old
• Exercise and get out of the house for a slight change
• Foster your relationship with your partner
• Have a sensible diet
• Sleep when the baby sleeps

Can postpartum depression affect my baby?

Yes, postpartum depression will affect your baby. You will have trouble bonding with your child, which is critical for your newborn baby. Lack of proper connection may cause behaviour problems.

Also, you may not recognize when your baby needs attention, like when ill. Depression can be too bad, causing you to skip a child’s doctor appointments, like immunizations. A happy mum translates into a happy baby. If you are deprived of sleep, your baby may also lack enough sleep.

Final Thoughts

Untreated postpartum depression affects you and your baby. Remember, dads, too, can suffer from postpartum depression. Please have realistic expectations on parenting to avoid anxiety and depression. You are not a bad parent if you have postpartum depression! Talk to a therapist or doctor, and you will know how to manage depression.