Coping With Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, which differs in severity from the so-called "baby blues" that often follow childbirth, is a serious psychological condition that may affect as many as one in four new mothers. Recent research has found symptoms of postpartum depression in fathers, as well. The treatments are very similar to dealing with conventional depression - and so are some of the causes.


Postpartum Depression vs. Maternity Blues


Feelings of anxiety, disappointment, or lack of motivation are extremely common in new mothers. Up to eighty percent report some kind of mild or persistent moodiness in the baby's first few months. But when these "baby blues" or "maternity blues" deepen or continue for months, they're considered the more clinically serious disorder known as postpartum depression, or PPD.


Mothers suffering with postpartum depression often experience difficulty bonding with their child. Feelings of negativity, anxiety, and hopelessness are sometimes projected towards the child, preventing the mother from cultivating the normal mother-child relationship.


Potential Risks and Causes


The warning signs and potential for postpartum depression are not entirely surprising. Women (and men) who suffer from traditional forms of depression, experience low self-esteem, high levels of normal everyday stress, or who struggled with prenatal anxiety are considered at high-risk.

Other factors leading to PPD include unhealthy or troubled marriages and relationships, poor social support, low financial income, and if the child was an unplanned pregnancy. Use of caffeine, alcohol and drugs before and after the delivery have also been linked, along with poor diet and vitamin deficiencies.


A Problem With Hormones?


Despite conventional wisdom, there is no substantial evidence linking either PPD or maternity blues with a sharp decline or imbalance of hormones after delivery. Researchers point out that while all women experience these hormonal changes, only some will struggle with serious postpartum depression. Some fathers experience symptoms despite having no hormonal shift after delivery.


Preventions and Treatment


Treating PPD is often a matter of getting counseling, similar to seeking help for conventional mental health problems. Doctors may recommend an initial psychiatric screening, followed by counseling and possible medication.

Experts say maintaining a proper diet and regular sleeping patterns following delivery likely prevents postpartum depression. For nursing mothers, remaining hydrated with a combination of vitamin-inducing fruit juices, milk, and water is also very important. Similarly, maintaining a recommended daily calorie intake is advised, so that energy levels remain consistent. A lack of appetite is also an early warning sign for PPD. Mothers experiencing such loss of hunger should contact their doctor.


Postpartum Psychosis


In certain rare instances PPD can give way to the more serious condition called postpartum psychosis. Mothers with a previous mental condition such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are especially at risk. Nonetheless, less than 0.2% of all women will struggle with the disorder.


Postpartum psychosis is understood as a complete break from reality, and may occur over a ten to fourteen day period. Delusions and hallucinations are sometimes evidenced, as are memory lapses and uncontrollable anxiety attacks. Fortunately, PP can be treated with normal antipsychotic medication.



About the Author

Michael Kabel is a writer for Corner Stork baby Gifts. Visit their website to read more great articles like this one, along with hundreds of baby gift ideas, baby shower favors and much more.

Causes and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Having a baby can be a very scary time for most couples. Both the man and the woman begin to think about the things that they need to protect their child from and the things that their babies need in order for them to stay healthy and happy.

These fears and overwhelming feelings are more often seen in the woman then the man. The woman is the one carrying the child and therefore the one who is worrying about the health of the baby with everything that she does. Plus a lot of women are worrying about how they will be able to cope with taking care of a baby and the many changes in their life that will take place.

According to statistics 10% of new moms will have mild to severe emotional problems commonly referred to as postpartum depression. It more often happens after the child is born. During this time their hormones are everywhere and can increase their emotions. They are also trying to take in all of the changes in their life. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe form of this type of depression.

New moms should not feel ashamed if they have postpartum depression. It is just a time of adjustment for them. To work through it they only need to learn to deal with the symptoms of it and love and take care of their new child.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Symptoms of postpartum depression can be very intense for some women and they can last for a few weeks to a few months. For some women these symptoms will interfere with their ability to take care of their child as well as everyday tasks.


·Insomnia

·Intense anger

·Loss of appetite

·No joy in life

·No desire to have sex

·Heavy fatigue

·Shame and guilt

·Severe mood swingsHard time connecting with the child

·Becomes reclusive and cuts oneself from friends and family

·Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

·Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms

Postpartum psychosis is a rare form of this condition that can start to develop during the first couple weeks after the baby is born. The symptoms are doubled and can be dangerous around the baby.


·Paranoia

·Confusion

·Delusions

·Tries to harm oneself or the baby

Postpartum Depression Causes

Emotional Changes - When women are overwhelmed and deprived of hours of sleep they will become more irritable and will have trouble dealing with even the smallest problems. This will make them that much more worried about their ability to take care of their child. At the same time they are trying to deal with the fact that they feel they have lost sight of who they are.

Lifestyle Changes - Some women are not prepared to care for a new baby and do not expect the time and energy that they need every day. They will find that their lives and the things they once did will not be possible. They may also have to deal with financial problems or not having the support they need from their partner or family members and friends.

Physical Changes - When the woman has given birth to the child the level of progesterone and estrogen will dramatically drop leading to postpartum depression. Also the hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland may also drop. This will cause you to feel tired and depressed. Because of this your immune system, metabolism, and blood pressure will change.