Postpartum depression-more than "baby blues"

My husband and I have been eagerly awaiting the birth of our first child, but now that she's here, I just feel sad. This certainly is not the joyous, happy time I thought it would be.Am I a bad mother?What's wrong with me?

The first thing to know is that if you feel this way, you are not a bad mother. New motherhood is a huge transition in your life, and weepiness and mood swings can be common. These feelings are perfectly normal and usually go away after a few weeks. On the other hand, postpartum depression is a more serious condition. It can interfere with your ability to take care of yourself, and your newborn child. The good news is that with treatment, the support of your family, and attention to your own needs, you can get back on the road to healthy and happy motherhood.

Because of the serious possible ramifications of postpartum depression, it is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms. These can include:

• Lack of interest in your baby


• Negative feelings towards your baby


• Worrying about hurting your baby


• Lack of concern for yourself


• Loss of pleasure


• Lack of energy and motivation


• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt


• Changes in appetite or weight


• Sleeping more or less than usual


• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Women should understand that postpartum depression can look like the normal baby blues. This is because they share many symptoms, including: mood swings, crying jags, sadness, insomnia, and irritability. However, in postpartum depression, these symptoms are either longer lasting, or more severe. It should also be noted that anxiety is also more prominent, in postpartum depression. If you have postpartum depression, you may be worrying to excess over your baby's health, and well-being. In addition, to obsessing over the safety of your newborn, you may be troubled by intrusive thoughts about harming your baby.

Obviously not every women gets postpartum depression. Medical records show that about 10% of all women who have recently given birth are currently seeking treatment, for postpartum depression. Experts feel however that this figure is low, because many women are ashamed of feeling depressed.It is extremely important for women, and their families, to recognize the potential risk factors for postpartum depression, and it is most important to understand that this type of depression is highly and successfully treated.
The most common risk factors for postpartum depression are-

• Previous histories of depression-Women with a previous history of depression are at a much higher risk, of experiencing postpartum depression. Keep in mind that your risk is also elevated if you have a history of severe PMS, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, if the pregnancy was unplanned, or if you had postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy. Many experts believe that women with a prior history of postpartum depression have a 50% chance of recurrence.


• A traumatic pregnancy or birth experience-Studies have also shown that stressful events during pregnancy, or the birth, also increase the odds of developing postpartum depression. Stressful events might include:a difficult delivery, prenatal problems, premature birth, or illness during pregnancy. It should also be noted that, research has shown that women with marital difficulties, or a general lack of social support, have a greater chance of developing postpartum depression.

Medical experts agree that the rapid hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy and delivery may trigger depression. After childbirth, women will experience a big drop in estrogen, and progesterone hormone levels. In addition, thyroid levels can also drop, which leads to fatigue and depression. It has been theorized that women who are more sensitive to these hormone imbalances, may then develop postpartum depression. If you are feeling any of these symptoms listed above for then just a couple of weeks, it is important to discuss your feeling with your health care provider. There are numerous treatment options that can have you feeling good again, and enjoying that brand new baby!