Postpartum depression

Having a baby is one of the most significant events in the lives of many women. It can also be a challenging time. If you’ve recently given birth, it’s not unusual to experience a surge of emotions, such as anxiety, joy and fear. Mild feelings of depression (sometimes called “baby blues”) only last for the first few weeks after giving birth.

But postpartum depression (PPD) is a more serious, long-lasting form of depression that new moms may experience. New dads also may experience depression after the birth of a child, often months after the birth. Birth surrogates and adoptive parents may also experience postpartum depression.

If you’re experiencing PPD, it’s important to remember that this is a common and temporary disorder. Postpartum depression is not your fault and doesn't mean that you are weak. With prompt, appropriate treatment, postpartum depression symptoms can be managed. 

Call your health care provider if you notice several of these postpartum depression symptoms that last more than two weeks or if your depressed feelings are getting worse. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll feel better.

People who experience postpartum depression symptoms may also struggle with symptoms of bipolar disorder, anxiety or other mood disorders. Everyone has a different mix of feelings and symptoms.

Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare disorder whose symptoms are extreme. Women who have a family or personal history of bipolar disorder are more likely to develop postpartum psychosis.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

• Agitation
• Excessive energy
• Extreme paranoia or suspiciousness
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Insomnia
• Lack of interest in your infant
• Loss of contact with reality
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

Risk factors for postpartum depression

You don’t have to be a first-time mother to develop postpartum depression symptoms. It can happen with the birth of any child.

Several factors increase your risk of postpartum depression, including:

• An unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• Family history of depression
• History of bipolar disorder or depression (including postpartum depression)
• Lack of sleep
• Limited support from partner, family and friends
• Stress, such as marital, financial or work problems

Physical changes like the changing levels of sex, stress and thyroid hormones during pregnancy and after birth also contribute to depression.

Services for postpartum depression

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PPD, feeling hopeless and alone, know that our experts are here to help. Call 414-454-6600 today to schedule a consultation and get the help you deserve . Or use our online search tool to find a behavioral health specialist near you.

Treatments for postpartum depression

Talk therapy is the first choice for treatment of mild depression. Your counselor will work with you to help you change how depression makes you feel, think and act. They’ll also help you find solutions for problems and cope with everyday challenges.

Medicine can be a key component to treatment for moderate or severe PPD. You and your doctor will need to weigh the costs and benefits of taking meds, including possible side effects to your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. (Research shows that the amount of medicine that gets to babies is often low.)

A doctor who is skilled in prescribing medications will make careful choices for you based on your unique set of postpartum depression symptoms and health history. Just like with other mood disorders, you may need to try more than one medication before you and your doctor settle on meds that work for you.

Lifestyle changes for the postpartum period

Having a baby is a life-changing event in itself. Setting up support systems for yourself ahead of time will help even if you don’t experience PPD.

Having strong support from your partner, family and friends can help you avoid postpartum depression or deal with it if it develops. Ask for help and let people know what you’d like them to do. Many people are happy to lend a hand when you have a new baby in your life.

Some of the ways family and friends can help are:

• Cooking or bringing meals over
• Doing laundry or dishes
• Helping with baby care
• Listening when you need to talk
• Picking up groceries and household supplies

Fresh air and exercise are vital. Even short walks with your baby in a stroller or sling will make a difference for you both.

Talking to other people who are in a similar situation can be remarkably healing. There may be established support groups or classes for new mothers that meet near you or at your birthing center. Some support groups are available online. Ask your doctors, family or friends for contacts.

Getting enough sleep and eating healthy foods are just as important when you have a new baby as they are in the rest of your life. Make sure to sleep when your baby sleeps or when someone else is caring for your baby – particularly in the early weeks. You need sleep and good nutrition to recover.

As you journey toward better mental health, remember that you’ll have some good days and some bad days. Have faith that with work and time, the good days will start to outnumber the bad days.