Were you aware that up to 20 percent of new mothers may experience postpartum depression in the months after giving birth? The editors from Everyday Health say “Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that can occur in the weeks and months following the birth of a child. The condition usually occurs in mothers, but it’s also been documented in fathers of newborns.”
It is true that most mom’s will experience baby blues after giving birth. This occurs because the level of hormones in a mother will drop quickly right after delivery. We are well aware as women how connected hormones and emotions are when we experience post menstrual syndrome (PMS). Right after giving birth our bodies go through a drastic hormone change. Women will feel changing moods, weepiness and feelings of being overwhelmed.
As a mother of 3, I am aware of these feelings. After the birth of my first son, I had trouble nursing. He would cry, and I would cry, finally one day after I left the hospital I found myself calling the OB floor at the hospital. I was so upset I couldn’t talk. I had to hang up, calm myself down and then call again. The rational voice on the other end of the line helped me feel human. I received a very simple plan that, due to my emotions, I would not have thought of myself.
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the heavy dose of sleep deprivation and a change of lifestyle by becoming a first time parent or adding a new child to the family. Your body will continue to adjust to the changes in your life and hormone levels. Eventually you will overcome the baby blues.
The remaining 20 percent experience a more serious condition. They experience feelings of postpartum depression and/or anxiety. So how do you know the difference?
Read The Salt Lake Regional Medical Centers article on the difference between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression.
It is important to remember that there is no shame in asking for help. Postpartum depression is common and treatable. If left untreated, postpartum depression can turn towards chronic depression. By reaching out you will find that you will feel so much better. Know you are not alone and can begin to enjoy life with your new baby and family.