What is postpartum depression?
· Postpartum depression is a mood disorder with postpartum onset. · Occurrence: Postpartum depression develops in approximately 10% of all postpartum women. The greatest risk occurs at approximately 4 weeks after delivery. · Contributing factors: Risks for postpartum depression include primiparity (first pregnancy), history of postpartum depression, lack of social support, and lack of stable relationships. · Signs and symptoms: Symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as those of any major depression: sadness, frequent crying, insomnia, appetite change, difficulty concentrating, worthless feelings, inadequate feelings, lack of concern about personal appearance, persistent anxiety, and irritability toward others. · Treatment may require counseling, anticipatory guidance, support from others and antidepressant therapy. · Approximately 50% of new mothers may experience some degree of baby “blues” (postpartum blues) a few days after delivery. Most common time is 3 to 10 days after de
Often the term Postpartum Depression (PPD) is used to describe mood and anxiety disorders that occur within the first year after a baby is born. There are five postpartum mood/anxiety disorders. Postpartum Depression is the most common. The Baby Blues occurs in up to 80% of new moms. This is a normal response to the hormonal changes, the sleep depravation and adjustments that occur immediately after birth. We don’t consider the blues a mood disorder. The blues usually begins around day 3 postpartum, and should be gone within 2-3 weeks. With the blues, mood is up and down, and women sometimes find themselves bursting into tears for no reason. But, overall, there is a positive outlook. It differs from postpartum depression in timing (only occurs in the first three weeks) and severity (it’s mild and goes away without treatment). We believe postpartum depression occurs in between 15% to 20% of all new moms. That’s up to 1 in 5 mothers! Many of us have a stereotype of a depressed person bei
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depression that affects hundreds of thousands of women each year in the United States. Women who suffer from this disorder often plunge into despair, feeling extremely sad and lonely. They lose interest in just about everything, including their families. They may have difficulty eating and sleeping properly. They cry too much and laugh too little. In severe cases, they may even have thoughts of suicide. The good news is that PPD is curable. With the right treatment, most women bounce back and go on to enjoy their babies and live healthy, happy lives. If you believe you may be a victim of PPD, we invite you to take a simple screening test by clicking the orange box below. If the test implies that you may have PPD we urge you to contact your health professional and tell him or her exactly how you feel. We will put you in contact with peer support groups who understand what you are going through and health care professionals who can get you the help
Postpartum depression is a very common reaction to having a new baby. Symptoms of PPD can include fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, sadness and lack of interest in the baby. Occasionally there is a fear of harming the baby or oneself. It is important to know that these reactions do not mean that the mother does not love her child.
