Having a baby is often a
life changing
experience. Family,
friends, and society as a whole,
expects this to be a happy time.
But for some women, this time
can be tarnished by changes in
their mood that can interfere with
bonding with their baby and with other relationships in their
life. This article will review some of the mood changes that can
occur in the postpartum period.
Baby Blues
The Baby Blues are very common; up to 80 percent of new
mothers experience this. The symptoms include rapid mood
swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and crying spells.
Often, having support from family members will help a women
get through this time. Having another family member take care
of the baby for one night or part of one night is also helpful.
In general, the symptoms of the Baby Blues are mild and they
resolve by two weeks after delivery.
Postpartum Depression
In five to 10 percent of women, the Baby Blues do not resolve
and these women develop postpartum depression. It can
develop anywhere from two weeks to six months after delivery.
Studies show that postpartum depression is most likely caused
by an interplay of genetics, stress from a major life event and
from hormonal changes. Women who are having conflict
in their relationship or conflict with their partner, women
who feel they are without family support and women with a
personal history of depression are at higher risk of developing
postpartum depression.
The symptoms of postpartum depression include:
• changes in sleep patterns (either sleeping too much or
too little)
• decreased appetite
• not enjoying things anymore
• irritability, increased anger
• feeling overwhelmed, that you can’t take care of the
baby
• feelings of guilt, that you are a failure as a mom
• “scary thoughts” (of neglecting baby or harming baby)
Treatment
First and foremost, remember that women with these symptoms
are not crazy! Approximately one in ten women go through
this and there is help. Sometimes just getting out of the house
and being around other moms is helpful. Some free groups in
the Vancouver area include Mother’s Share Group at Southwest
Washington Medical Center on Mondays (360)514-4001 and Baby and Me Groups at
Salmon Creek Legacy Hospital on Thursdays (360.487.4300). There is also
help online. Postpartum Support International is a well-recognized group
www.pprndsupport.com
. They have a toll free number
(800)944-4PPD and can refer you to support in your area.
Individual counseling is often helpful, and some insurance
plans may provide coverage for this. Make sure you see your
physician as well. Sometimes the symptoms of postpartum
depression are bad enough that you may require medicines to
help you sleep or medicines to help with your mood.
Postpartum depression resolves in most women. Once a baby
is born, women often focus on the baby and forget about
themselves. It is important that mom’s receive adequate care
postpartum so they can continue the tough job of being a
parent.
References:
1) Lusskin, Shari, Misri, Shaila, Postpartum blues and
depression, www.uptodate.com
.
2) Epperson, C.Neill, Postpartum Major Depression: Detection
and Treatment, American Family Physician, Vol 59, No. 8, 1999.
Dr. Muchowski practices medicine at Family Physicians Group
(360)735-8100.