Putting Off Postpartum Depression

You just gave birth to a beautiful baby after all those hours of labor. But the euphoric state has worn off. You feel emotional and sad. You feel like you are on top of a cliff, ready to tether over any minute. You could be suffering from postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is an extended bout with depression that takes place after you give birth that lasts for weeks or months. Symptoms may include crying fits, doubt, confusion, irritability, hypochondriasis, sleeplessness, impairment of concentration and headache.

Postpartum depression is common and often associated with adverse infant and maternal outcomes such as lower breastfeeding initiation and duration, poor maternal and infant bonding and possible long-term cognitive impairment and abnormal child development.

Although quite rare, the condition can develop into postpartum psychosis and, if left untreated, can result in suicide or infanticide. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis require immediate evaluation and treatment.

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone. It is not only dependent on physical changes, such as a dramatic drop in hormones, post-birth, or a genetic predisposition. Emotional issues may trigger postpartum depression, especially when you are sleep deprived or overwhelmed. Other external factors that can prompt postpartum depression include financial worry, relationship problems, absent support system or a traumatic birth experience, among others. Those with preexisting mental health disorders are at increased risk of developing postpartum depression.

Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression after giving birth, with some studies reporting 1 in 7 women. Most women who experience it have nothing in their past or present to account for it.  

Unfortunately, most women are unprepared for the cavalcade of emotions they experience when they give birth. In addition, most doctors fail to acknowledge or appreciate their distress and fail to recommend further treatment.

For some mothers who don’t instantly bond with their babies, it sets off guilt and anxiety which only compound postpartum symptoms. New mothers who themselves get lots of love, caring, and support generally have an easier time bonding with their babies.

Among the evidence supporting that a biological trigger are some studies showing postpartum depression is as common in rural Africa as it is in the industrialized West. Several experts believe some women are unduly sensitive to post birth hormonal swings. Others say previously unrecognized differences in hormone production may account for postpartum depression. For example, during pregnancy levels of estrogen and progesterone rise steadily. After delivery, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply.

For women who experience “baby blues” estrogen and progesterone levels may fall lower than new mothers who escape experiencing this condition.

Treatment options include psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, participation in a support group, family counseling, and if the situation warrants it, hospitalization. Appropriate treatment can usually get the mother back on track in a relatively short time and minimize the disruption in family life and the mother-child attachment that can result from a protracted depression.

There are certain preventative measures that you can take to decrease the chances that you might have postpartum depression after giving birth. Take care of your health. That means eating healthy, sleeping eight or more hours per night, exercising, and taking a prenatal vitamin. Talk to your partner and support network. If those close to you notice that something is off, they can suggest that you seek out a doctor or other medical professional.

Some other steps you can take are to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Listen to music, develop a hobby, and exercise can help you towards that goal. Talk to your provider. Reach out to your ob/gyn, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Know that there are medications that are safe to take during pregnancy and after giving birth. Use your resources. Joining a parent group, either through social media or a community group, can offer additional support from people who are going through the same thing.

If you have suicide thoughts or thoughts about hurting your baby, alert your partner or loved ones to take care of your child and call 911. Don’t forget that postpartum depression is very common and you have done nothing to cause it. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty. It is also important that you feel safe enough to talk to your provider to alleviate symptoms. There is help out there and you don’t have to suffer alone.