Postpartum depression can manifest in even the most excited mothers. The hormonal changes, physical strain, and mental stress following childbirth can all take a toil. It in no way means that anything has been done wrong or that the mom is “bad,” but it is important to understand what’s happening. In fact celebrities such as Brooke Shields and Princess Diana both suffered from postpartum depression.
Over half of all new mothers will suffer from some mood-related symptoms, such as insomnia, mood swings, and agitation, during the first two weeks following childbirth. This is called the baby blues or postpartum blues. Most women find that postpartum depression symptoms peak about four days after childbirth. And often times, they will spontaneously disappear in two weeks. However, one in every eight new mothers will develop signs postpartum depression (PPD) in the weeks or months following childbirth. It’s also important to note that the symptoms of postnatal depression aren’t exclusive to new mothers, as women that have experienced the trauma of a stillbirth or miscarriage are also susceptible.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression/Baby Blues
Typically, postpartum depression will develop shortly after childbirth and gradually progress over several months. However, the symptoms may sometimes have a delayed onset of several months and/or appear very suddenly.
- anxiety
- severe mood swings
- overwhelming fatigue
- loss of interest in sex
- difficulty concentrating
- insomnia/difficulty sleeping
- intense irritability and anger
- thoughts of harming the baby
- trouble bonding with the baby
- withdrawal from family and friends
- feeling shame, guilt, or inadequacy
- large increase/decrease in appetite
- thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
- feelings sad, hopeless, empty, or worthless
- loss of pleasure in usually enjoyable activities
- excessive worry about the well-being, safety, and health of the baby
The Difference Between Postpartum Blues Symptoms and Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum depression and postpartum blues share many symptoms; the difference is in severity and duration of symptoms. Unlike postpartum blues, postpartum depression symptoms make everyday normal functioning and caring for and bonding with a new baby very difficult for the woman. While postpartum blues will last a couple of weeks, neonatal depression can continue for over a year if left untreated.
Research has shown that early symptom recognition and treatment result in the following:
- speedier recovery for the woman.
- less likely chance for the woman to suffer from repeat episodes of depression.
- lesser negative impact on the baby’s development and health.
What To Do When The Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression Are Present
Women experiencing any symptoms of postpartum depression should notify their primary care doctor or obstetrician as soon as possible. It may be helpful to compose a list of the symptoms, when they started, and how long they’ve lasted. It’s also important to notify the obstetrician of any postpartum blues symptoms at the first postpartum checkup, as this should prompt a follow up to monitor for postpartum depression.
