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Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many women can experience after having a baby. It is estimated that 10% - 15% of all new mothers develop PPD. In addition, 26% - 32% of adolescent mothers experience PPD.

There are three, sometimes overlapping, types of Postpartum Depression:

  1. "Baby Blues" - The baby blues is estimated to affect 60% - 80% of all new mothers. It is a mild form of depression that women experience a few days after delivery and lasts no longer than two weeks. New mothers will experience sudden mood swings, impatience, irritability, loneliness or sadness.
  2. Postpartum Depression - PPD can occur a few days after childbirth or even months later. A mother with PPD will experience similar symptoms as she would with the baby blues, but the emotional feeling will be more intense. The mother's ability to function normally on a daily basis will be impaired. Women with PPD should seek professional treatment.
  3. Postpartum Psychosis - Postpartum psychosis is a rare but very serious mental disorder that requires professional health care. New mothers with this condition experience hallucinations and delusions. Anger, agitation and insomnia are other common symptoms.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

The signs of postpartum depression include:

      • very tired.
      • unable to sleep
      • feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot.
      • no energy.
      • feeling restless or irritable.
      • not being able to eat and weight loss.
      • overeating and weight gain.
      • headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations.
      • numbness or hyperventilation.
      • trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
      • overly worried about the baby.
      • little or no interest in the baby.
      • feeling worthless and guilty.
      • afraid of hurting the baby or yourself.
      • no interest or pleasure in activities, including sex.
      • thoughts of death or suicide.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

The causes of postpartum depression are not fully understood. Many experts feel it is a combination of risk factors that trigger the disorder. These risk factors are similar or identical to the causes of depression for other forms of depression. They include biological, genetic, environmental, psychological and hormonal factors.

In addition to the standard depression risk factors, there are other risk factors that are specific to women who have recently given birth.

      • the pregnancy was not planned.
      • the spouse is not supportive.
      • financial problems.
      • recent separation or divorce.
      • major life change such as loss of job.
      • previous development of premenstrual syndrome.
      • obstetric complications.

Many researchers fell the cause of PPD may lie with the significant, and sometimes rapid, changes in two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy the amount of these hormones increases dramatically. Then, within the first 24 hours of childbirth, the amount of these hormones drops rapidly. In the days following delivery the hormones continue to drop until they reach pre-pregnancy levels.

In addition, the thyroid may play a role in PPD. Sometimes thyroid levels drop dramatically after childbirth. Lower thyroid levels can cause symptoms similar to clinical depression. A woman may experience fatigue, agitation, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings.

However, the risk factors above do not actually cause PPD. Many women with a number of these risk factors never develop PPD. Other women with one or no risk factor can develop full-blown postpartum depression.

Treatment

Most experts feel postpartum depression is treatable with a high success rate. The severity of the depression will determine the type of treatment. The standard treatment methods are psychotherapy and antidepressant drugs. However, women who are breastfeeding should be aware that some antidepressant drugs are UNSAFE for breastfeeding. Often attendance at a support group is recommended.

Please click the following link for more information about antidepressant drugs.

Coping

Unfortunately, our society frowns on women who don't feel good about becoming a mother. As a result, many women feel enormous guilt when they begin to develop the symptoms of PPD. However, there are several techniques that new mothers can use to help cope with their emotions and feelings.

  • get help from friends, family and professionals.
  • talk about your feeling with others - friends, other mothers, support groups.
  • take care of the mother - physical and emotional needs.
  • sleep when the baby sleeps - rest is important at this time.
  • go outside - go for a walk or to the store, but get out of the house.
  • simplify mom's life - postpone chores, relax, spend time with spouse.

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