Giving birth can simultaneously be one of the greatest experiences of a woman’s life but also one of the most stressful.
While having a new addition to the family can be fun and exciting, it also comes with a lot stress. Following the birth of a child, some women will experience a condition known as the ‘baby blues,’ where feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety take over. The baby blues are extremely common. They are temporary and usually disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks. But for some new mother’s, that does not always happen. Instead, they will experience a much more severe and prolonged version of the baby blues. Symptoms will last for longer than two weeks and take a toll on their emotional, mental and sometimes physical health. This is postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that requires help from a doctor or healthcare professional.
The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression does not go away on its own. It can appear days or even months after delivering a baby and can last for many weeks or months.
Postpartum depression symptoms include
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- A loss of appetite
- Intense irritability
- Sadness, crying uncontrollably for very long periods of time
- Inability to sleep, sleeping too much, difficulty falling or staying asleep
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or see them in a loved one that is a new mother, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.
Who gets postpartum depression?
Any new mother can be affected by postpartum depression. Women of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and socio-economic status can be affected by this condition.
Furthermore, postpartum depression can happen to those who had difficult pregnancies as well as those who had smooth ones. It can affect women with multiple children or first time mothers. In essence, postpartum depression can affect anyone.
Effects of postpartum depression
Alongside the symptoms mentioned above, postpartum depression can affect sufferers by
- Making it hard to get through the day and finish simple tasks.
- Affect your ability to take care of yourself.
- Affect your ability to take care of your baby.
When to get help
Not all women suffering from postpartum depression will realize what they’re experiencing as it is happening. Sometimes, it takes a partner, friend or family member to notice a difference in the behaviour of their loved one. If you suspect you have postpartum depression or know someone that does, sources of help include:
- An OBGYN or family doctor
- A midwife
- A licensed mental health provider -your doctor can usually put you in contact with one.
Postpartum depression should always be taken seriously and help sought right away.
Treatment for postpartum depression
Postpartum depression does not have a one-size-fits all treatment. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the case and other personal factors. In general, doctors may recommend one or more of the following.
- Talking with a psychiatrist – psychiatrists can help new mothers talk through their emotions and find ways to cope with their feelings. They can also discuss problem-solving techniques, setting realistic goals and dealing with issues in a positive way.
- Antidepressants – this type of medication may be recommended in certain cases. For moms that are breastfeeding, any medication taken will enter the breast milk. However, most antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding with little risk of side effects for your baby. You and your doctor can jointly decide if this is a suitable option.
Tips for new mothers on dealing with stress and combating the baby blues
Stress as a new mother is inevitable. Use some of these tips to keep the worst aspects of stress at bay. If you have the baby blues, they will go away in 1-2 weeks. Until then, the following may help
- Attend your early postpartum checkup -this checkup usually occurs about one week after the birth of your baby.
- Share the workload –ask your partner, close family or friends to help with babysitting and chores around the house. Support is an incredibly important part of dealing with postpartum stress. Where possible it is helpful to ‘recruit’ some help from family and friends in the form of asking them to assist with small or simple tasks, for example, dropping off some extra food to ease the burden of cooking
- Rest – Sleep deprivation with a newborn is a real thing. A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue which is one of the leading indicators for developing postpartum depression. Catch up on sleep whenever possible. This may take the form of multiple naps throughout the day, sleeping at the same time the baby does or taking turns with your partner watching the baby. Adequate rest is not a luxury. It’s an absolute necessity.
- Eat healthy – Stick to a diet that’s high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. A well-rounded diet is good for both you and your baby.
- Speak to others – talk about your feelings, what you’re worried about or any other issues openly. Sometimes, just the act of sharing what you’re going through with someone else is cathartic.
Motherhood is an amazing time in a woman’s life, but it is also a major transition that can be extremely stressful. A good postnatal experience will mean different things to different women but keep in mind these tips to help ease the transition.
Be kind to yourself, ask for help when needed, and remember to speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have, no matter how minor you think they are.
