What is postpartum depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression also known as postnatal depression is a medical condition that many women develop after having a baby which include heightened feelings of sadness, anxiety, and tiredness that last for a long time after having a baby making it hard for you to care for yourself and the baby. According to Marchofdimes, 2019 it often starts 1 to 3 weeks after having a baby, requiring treatment to get better.
What are the signs/symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of PPD include:
Changes in the way you feel
Feeling depressed most of the day everyday
The feeling shame, guilt or like a failure
Feeling panicked or scared a lot of the time
Having severe mood swings
Changes in your normal day to day life
Having little interest in things you normally like to do
Feeling tired all the time
Eating a lot more or a lot less than is normal for you
Gaining or losing weight
Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
Changes In how you think about yourself or your baby
Having trouble bonding with your baby
Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
Thoughts of suicide
It can also affect your baby in multiple ways such as:
It may be hard to bond with your baby.
Your baby may not breastfeed for long. PPD can make it hard for you and your baby to get used to breastfeeding.
Your baby may not get the medical care they need; PPD can make it hard for you to take care of your baby if they’re sick. You may not see health problems in your baby that need quick attention and care. It may be hard for you to get your baby regular care, like vaccinations.
Your baby may have learning behavior, and development problems and mental health conditions later in life.
What causes it? (PPD)?
Genes. The genes are parts of your body’s cells that store instructions for the way your body grows and works. Genes are passed from parents to children. Depression is more common among people whose family members have depression. This is called a family history of depression.
Changing hormone levels after pregnancy. Hormones are chemicals in your body. Some help control your emotions and mood. During pregnancy, your body has higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. But in the first 24 hours after giving birth, these hormones quickly go back to their normal levels. This rapid drop in hormone levels may lead to PPD.
Low levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a gland in your neck that helps your body use and store energy from food.
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/postpartum-depression
How can it be prevented and treated?
One of the best ways to prevent it is once any signs of negative emotions start to cloud your mind speak to someone you trust whether that be a very close friend or family member or maybe someone in the community, you can also try going to therapy if that is an available option.
For treatment, there are multiple options that include:
Prenatal care provider – Gives you medical care during pregnancy
Primary care provider – Main provider who gives you medical care
Mental health provider – could be Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Counselor, or therapist
Baby’s health care provider
Get Support
Don’t wait until it’s too late, reach out and talk to someone today. The staff at Momslikeme are ready to support you and are waiting for your call. Our Program COACH TO COACH
Email: info@momslikemeinternational.org
Phone: (647) 863-2232
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More helpful resources
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/postpartum-depression
