Could You Be Suffering From
Postpartum Depression?
Could you be struggling with postpartum depression? If you are a new mom who is feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, sad, anxious, tearful or downright awful, postpartum depression may be the cause. This mood disorder has a name, it has symptoms, and it is more common than you might think. You are not alone, you are not going crazy, and yes - there is help!
Explore this site to understand the difference between the "baby blues" and postpartum depression. Know that help is available, and discover the many options available to you - from natural treatments and alternative and complimentary options to more conventional cures. Most importantly, realize that you don't have to continue to suffer!
Welcome to Postpartum Living!
Pregnancy brings on a wealth of physical and emotional changes to all woman. Although each day brings more aches, pains, excitement, and anxiety, it also brings an expectant mother closer to finally meeting her baby.
The "Baby Blues"
After the birth of the child, it is common for a new mother to experience what is known as the “baby blues.” In fact, statistics show that about 80% of new moms go through this emotional phase.
The baby blues is a short period ranging for the first few weeks after the baby is born in which the mother experiences uncharacteristic emotional lows, such as tearful outbursts or irritability.
She might also feel that her new situation is more than she can handle and may experience difficulty sleeping. But when does a suspected case of the baby blues turn into something more?
Women with post partum depression often experience similar symptoms as those with the baby blues, however on a more intense level.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, by definition, is moderate to severe depression that affects a woman any time from the birth of the child up to a year after. In many cases, a postpartum mood disorder is suspected when a new mother’s case of baby blues lasts longer than a month after the birth or if signs of depression crop up after the typical 3-week baby blues period.
This depression after the birth of your child, also known as postnatal depression, can happen to any new mother, and is not a reflection of your character. According to the Center for Disease Control, between 11% and 20% of pregnancies result in the mother being diagnosed with post partum depression — which is about 950,000 moms every year! This statistic is based off of mothers who self-reported their symptoms.
Also according to the CDC, women under the age of 20 are more likely to experience depression after pregnancy, as are those who experienced high stress levels during pregnancy, are without a partner, suffer from financial worries, those who did not plan the pregnancy, or those who suffered from depression before becoming pregnant.
Sufferers of postpartum depression often experience similar symptoms as those of the baby blues, however on a more intense level. Some of these symptoms include sadness, feeling as though all joy has gone out of life, extreme irritability or being quick to anger, lack of interest in food, no desire for sex, inability to sleep, frequent mood swings, overpowering fatigue, feeling worthless, guilty, or withdrawn, trouble concentrating, or intense anxiety.
If you are a new mom with any of the following symptoms, there may be a strong chance that you are suffering from PPD:
- Symptoms of the baby blues lasting longer than two to three weeks
- Depression began after a month following childbirth
- Performance at work or everyday activities becomes difficult or impossible
- Thoughts of self harm or of harming the baby arise
- It becomes too difficult for you to care for yourself or your new baby
Postpartum depression can also cause a mother to feel as though she cannot bond with her baby or she may experience resentment or other negative feelings towards her newborn child. Some women who are suffering find that they have little interest in their child, or on the opposite spectrum, worry too intensely about their baby.
This depression can be so severe that a mother cannot care for herself or her baby properly and may even have thoughts of suicide or of harming her child (although these thoughts are rarely acted upon).
Unfortunately, this mood disorder cannot be diagnosed using a stand-alone test. Most postnatal depression cases are diagnosed using a series of questionnaires and counseling sessions conducted by a medical professional.
Any new mother who feels that she may be suffering from this mood disorder should speak to her doctor about her feelings and experiences.
Postpartum mood disorders are nothing to be ashamed about, and can be managed with the proper guidance.
- About Postpartum Living
- This page is all about the Postpartum Living website and the reason it exists.
- Contact page for Postpartum Living
- Please feel free to contact me at Postpartum Living
- Postpartum Living Blog
- The Postpartum Living Blog keeps you informed with updates and news on postpartum depression including natural treatments and alternative remedies for various postpartum mood disorders.
- Postpartum Living Links and Book Recommendations
- Postpartum Living links page is full of valuable resources pertaining to postpartum, motherhood, health, and much more.
- Privacy and Disclaimer
- privacy and disclaimer policies for Postpartum Living
- Depression Causes
- What Are Depression Causes for Postpartum Mood Disorders? Certain aspects of a mother's life may contribute to this mood disorder. Find out what you can do to prevent it.
- Signs Of Postpartum Depression
- Learn about the symptoms and signs of postpartum depression.
- Effects Of Depression
- The effects of depression on a woman after giving birth is serious. Learn what you can do to combat postpartum depression.
- How To Prevent Depression
- How to prevent depression after you've had a baby.
- Take A Depression Test
- Take a depression test for postpartum depression with the most widely used postpartum depression scale to find out if you have postpartum depression - the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
- Helping A Depressed Spouse
- There are many ways you can help your depressed spouse. Even if they don't ask for your help, they do need your support. For postpartum depression, there are a number of ways you can help.
- Postpartum Depression Stories
- Postpartum Depression Stories can really help you feel like you're not alone. Read what others have shared.
- Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression
- Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression - does breastfeeding alleviate postpartum depression, or make it worse?
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum anxiety, although less common than postpartum depression, can be very stressful and upsetting to a new mom.
- Postpartum OCD
- Postpartum OCD causes intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harm to your baby and compulsive, repetitive behaviors.
- Postpartum Psychosis
- Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mood disorder. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis are different than postpartum depression.
- Postpartum Alopecia - Female Hair Loss After Pregnancy
- Postpartum alopecia - female hair loss after pregnancy, can be devistating. Find out what you can do if this happens to you.
- Effects Of Sleep Deprivation
- Feeling the effects of sleep deprivation is normal with a new baby in your home, but prolonged lack of sleep can contribute to postpartum depression. Sleep is essential.
- Creating Postpartum Wellness Program
- Creating Postpartum Wellness Program is an all-natural way to overcome postpartum depression.
- Creating Postpartum Wellness Book
- "Creating Postpartum Wellness, Natural Solutions To Banish Depression After Childbirth" Book Offers Many Natural and Holistic Remedies to Cure Depression After Baby
- Natural Depression Treatments for Postpartum Depression
- There are many benefits to using natural depression treatments for postpartum depression. Find out your best options.
- Postpartum Depression Hypnosis Treatment
- Depression hypnosis treatment can be very helpful for a woman struggling with postpartum depression. It is safe, enjoyable, and has no harmful side effects.
- Postpartum Depression Diet Plan
- A healthy depression diet plan is essential when fighting post partum depression. Find out the best foods to eat as well as the best foods and drinks to avoid .
- Exercise And Depression
- Exercise and depression relief - along with the many other important reasons to exercise, it is possible to relieve your depression with exercise.
- Natural Sleep Remedies
- Natural sleep remedies for new parents. Learn what you can do naturally to get your baby and yourself to sleep. You can stop being a sleep deprived parent.
- Bright Light Therapy
- Postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder have a great deal in common, but can bright light therapy help with postpartum depression? Studies are getting positive results.
- Depression And Acupuncture
- Depression and acupuncture - can postpartum depression be treated with acupuncture?
- Conventional Cures for Depression After Baby
- What are the conventional cures for depression after baby? Discover your options, from anti depression medicine to natural holistic cures. You have a choice.
- Alternative Health Care Medicine
- Alternative Health Care Medicine is growing in popularity at a fast rate. We have a list of alternative and complementary medicine online resources here.
- Depression Resources
- Depression resources are available if you are suffering from postpartum depression.
- Postpartum Forum
- The Postpartum Forum is where new moms can share tips, information, opinions and experiences with other new moms.
- Mobile Phone Apps - Best Apps For Moms and Dads With A Newborn
- Find the best apps for moms and dads with a newborn here. Let technology make your job easier!
- Postpartum Doula
- A postpartum doula can be invaluable to a new mom, especially one suffering from postpartum depression.
- Motherhood Quotes
- Being a mom can be the hardest job you love! Here is a variety of inspirational motherhood quotes to enjoy.
- Postpartum Living Sitemap
- Sitemap for Postpartum Living Website
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Sydney Z. Spiesel, Ph DMD Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine |
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