Written by Brittany N Sinclair.
Edited by Samantha C Sinclair
What to expect in this article
Most people have heard of Baby blues and Postpartum depression. However, if you were asked, could you explain what happens during either?
Today i’m going to break down baby blues, Postpartum depression and also postpartum psychosis. These are very important topics that get looked over and dismissed way to often.
What are the Baby Blues?
Baby blues begin 2-3 days after child birth. Symptoms of baby blues can include mood swings, uncontrollable crying spells, anxiety, and effect sleep patterns.
Baby blues usually last up to two weeks, then you start to feel a sense of normal, also you feel the strong bond with your baby.
When do you know it’s more than Baby Blues?
After the two week mark, if you are still experiencing these symptoms that is a good indicator you may be dealing with Postpartum Depression (PPD), and should consult your doctor right away
What is Postpartum Depression?
PPD can happen during pregnancy, after giving birth (after the baby blues), or even up to a year after baby is born.
An important reminder
PPD is not a character flaw nor a weakness. It is easy as a mother experiencing Postpartum depression to feel as if something is wrong with them or they are a “bad” mother.
While this is not true, these are normal feelings.
You are not alone
According to postpratumdepression.org approximately 3.7 million annual births in the United States, the finding that 1 in 8 women experiences PPD means over 460,000 mothers are affected each year.
Miscarriage or still birth
Many women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth also develop symptoms of depression. This experience of grief and hormonal change is a recognized form of perinatal depression, and when these mothers are included, the number of women affected each year is significantly higher.
What to expect during Postpartum Depression
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Crying too much
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Inability to sleep, called insomnia,
sleeping too much
Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Intense irritability and anger
Fear that you’re not a good mother
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety, to me personally is like normal anxiety times 1000. It is constant feeling on edge and worrying. Over small to big things. Postpartum anxiety is excessive worrying that occurs after childbirth or adoption. People with postpartum anxiety may feel consumed with worry and constantly nervous or panicked. If you or someone you know has symptoms of postpartum anxiety, get help from a healthcare provider immediately.
What happens to untreated Postpartum depression?
Untreated PPD can last for months to years. Remember it takes a woman, even without PPD up to two years to feel back to normal self mind and body. If left untreated with severe cases, PPD can turn into Postpartum Psychosis(which can be developed within a week after birth).
What is Postpartum Psychosis?
While PP is rare, in some cases women experience symptoms that are severe. Symptoms include, but are not limited to the following.
Feeling confused and lost
Having obsessive thoughts about your baby
Hallucinating and having delusions
Having sleep problems
Having too much energy and feeling upset
Feeling paranoid
Making attempts to harm yourself or your baby
These symptoms require immediate treatment.
(mayoclinic.org)
Did you know dads can also experience PPD?
Studies have proved fathers can experience Postpartum Depression. They may experience symptoms like feeling sad, overly tired, overwhelmed, anxious, or have changes in eating habits, and sleep patterns.
Same symptoms as mothers.
Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems, or are struggling financially are more at risk for Postpartum Depression.
Important reminder
Like mothers, fathers should not feel shame. This is out of anyones control. Often Postpartum depression is dads is called, Paterinal Postpartum Depression. This can have the same effect on the bond and relationship with baby, as it does with mom.
Getting help
Mothers and Fathers alike should seek help if they are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Support
If you know anyone that will be having a new baby, or who has recently (even in the last year or two) had a baby. Please reach out to them.
Do not think because of their age, or because they have older children that they will “be okay”.
Support is the key. Fathers please support the mother, if you are struggling yourself be open with mother about how you feel and listen to her as well. If both parents are struggling seek help together or be supportive to the others journey.
I need support?
IF you do not have support within family or friends please find support groups, or also your local health department can be a big help. The HANDS program, lactation consultant, or psychiatrist.requires immediate treatment. Facebook.com is good place to find support groups. Also, educating yourself will help with fears.
Get urgent help
IF you are experiencing any thoughts of harming your baby or yourself, or others please cgo to the nearest Emergency room. You should also contact your Obgyn, family doctor or contact In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free). (mayoclinic.org)
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