Parent Talk / November 2006
Beyond Baby Blues
The birth of a baby should be a joyous, exciting time in a mother’s life, but for many women, it is the exact opposite. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 70-80 percent of women experience the “baby blues” after childbirth and about 10 percent of women develop postpartum depression (PPD), a serious medical condition that develops during the first months after childbirth.
Many women go through a period of feeling sad, anxious, or irritable after the birth of a baby, often referred to as the ‘baby blues.’ However, if the symptoms last longer than two weeks, it could be an indication of a far more serious disorder such as postpartum depression.
Experts say it’s important for mothers to understand that feeling sad after delivering a healthy baby doesn’t mean they are a failure as a mother. New moms need to know that postpartum depression is not a character flaw but is actually a chemical imbalance. PPD is a real illness that responds well to treatment.
The “baby blues” and postpartum depression share some symptoms, but with the “blues”, symptoms usually last less than a week. They may include crying for no apparent reason, difficulty eating, sleeping or making decisions and doubts about caring for the baby.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include strong feelings of depression and anger that continue beyond one to two months after childbirth and feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, or helplessness that increase each week and interfere with everyday activities. They may extend to inability of a woman to care for herself or the baby and difficulty concentrating or doing tasks at home or on the job. Concern and worry about the baby are too intense, or sometimes interest in the baby is lacking. The mother may experience changes in appetite, anxiety or panic attacks, withdrawal or isolation from friends and family, fears of harming the baby and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Postpartum depression can affect any woman, regardless of her age, race or economic background. The exact cause is not known, but certain chemical changes that take place in the body during and after pregnancy may contribute to its development. Friends, family and mothers themselves should know it is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness, and does not mean there is anything wrong with a woman’s ability to be a mother. Treatment and support is available. Mothers who are experiencing depression after delivery can feel better. Getting treatment is the best thing for the entire family.
For more information, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org or contact Levin and Associates in Parkersburg, 304-428-2229.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Top • Home • Subscribe • Advertise • Submit • Distribution • Contact
Support Our Advertisers • Organization Resources • Women Owned Business
Designed by Livewire Studio
Send an Email About This Article