What New Moms Need to Know
Bringing a new baby home is often thought of as a joyful time, but for many new mothers, the experience is clouded by postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. It’s more intense and lasts longer than the “baby blues,” a term that describes the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience in the first two weeks after giving birth.
According to the American Psychological Association, up to 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. Despite being so common, many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they are struggling after the birth of their baby. It’s crucial for new mothers and their loved ones to understand the signs of postpartum depression.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression causes feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can make it difficult for new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves or their babies. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth but may begin during pregnancy or up to a year after birth.
Common symptoms of postpartum depression include depressed mood, severe mood swings, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family and friends, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, overwhelming fatigue, intense irritability and anger, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, severe anxiety, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
While the “baby blues” are common after childbirth due to hormonal changes, this mild mood disturbance usually gets better within a couple of weeks. With postpartum depression, symptoms are more severe and longer lasting, often interfering with a woman’s ability to care for her baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms can last for many months or longer if left untreated.
Who is at Risk?
Any new mother can experience postpartum depression, even if her pregnancy was easy and there were no signs of depression before the baby was born. However, some women may be at greater risk, including those with a history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times, and those with bipolar disorder. Women who had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy or have family members who’ve had depression or other mood disorders are also at increased risk.
Other potential risk factors include experiencing stressful events during the past year, having relationship problems, lacking a strong support system, experiencing financial difficulties, being a younger mother, having an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, having a baby with health problems or special needs, having difficulty breastfeeding, and having a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Potential Complications
Left untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or even years. It can affect a mother’s ability to connect with and care for her baby and may have long-term consequences for the baby’s development. Untreated postpartum depression can also lead to:
• Ongoing depression for the mother
• Increased risk of future episodes of major depression
• Difficulties in the mother’s relationships with her partner, friends and family
• Increased risk of suicide or infanticide in severe cases
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but extremely serious disorder that can develop after childbirth. Symptoms can include confusion and disorientation, obsessive thoughts about the baby, hallucinations and delusions, sleep disturbances, excessive energy and agitation, paranoia, and attempts to harm oneself or the baby. Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment. It most commonly occurs within the first two weeks after delivery.
Getting Help
If you think you may have postpartum depression, the most important thing to remember is that it’s not your fault, and you are not alone. Prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy your new baby. The first step is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional, who can screen you for postpartum depression and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment options for postpartum depression include counseling or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, antidepressant medications that can be used safely while breastfeeding, and brexanolone, the first drug approved specifically for treating postpartum depression. Joining a support group and connecting with other mothers going through similar struggles can also be very beneficial.
Coping and Prevention Strategies
In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are things you can do at home to cope with postpartum depression and start feeling better. Rest as much as possible, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect, ask for help from your partner, family, and friends, try to connect with other new moms, make time to go outside for fresh air, eat healthy foods, and be kind to yourself.
While postpartum depression can’t always be prevented, some strategies may reduce your risk. Be realistic about what to expect after the baby is born, limit visitors in the first few weeks to avoid feeling overwhelmed, prioritize sleep, engage in physical activity, eat regular healthy meals, keep communication open with your support system, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Postpartum depression is a common complication of childbirth that can have serious consequences if left untreated. New mothers need to know the signs to watch for and understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With prompt treatment, postpartum depression symptoms can improve dramatically. Breaking the stigma around this condition and encouraging open conversations about maternal mental health is key to getting new moms the support they need. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your treatment options and start feeling more like yourself again.
