Depression After Childbirth:
IS IT THE “BABY BLUES” OR SOMETHING MORE?
Information for Women Who Have Just Given Birth
Childbirth
As young women in the American
culture, we are told that the birth of a child is a joyous occasion which
should make us very happy.
But what if this is not your reaction?
We have developed this pamphlet to help you understand the sadness that
may follow the birth of your baby, and to determine if this sadness is the
short-lived, normal hormonal readjustment commonly called the “baby blues”
which will resolve itself in a few weeks or if it is a more serious disorder
called postpartum depression which requires professional medical
attention, or if it is a rare medical emergency known as postpartum
psychosis which requires immediate
medical attention.
This pamphlet was written for you, the
woman undergoing childbirth. There is
also a companion pamphlet addressed to your family members and friends, and we
urge you to pass this pamphlet along to those who care about you so that they
will also have this vital information.
Sometimes when people become depressed they are unable to recognize the
problem, or are unable to ask for the help that they need, therefore, it is
important that someone else is involved and assisting you in monitoring your
moods and your well-being after childbirth.
Depression is a change in the
biochemistry of your brain, and is not something that you can correct on your
own. If you are experiencing symptoms of
depression, we urge you to seek professional medical attention because TREATMENT
WORKS!
What
is the “baby blues”?
Following childbirth, the see-sawing
emotions and heightened emotional responses commonly called the “baby blues”
occurs with such frequency (30-80%) that
it is considered a normal part of the birthing process. Mood swings, crying spells, irritability,
are common after giving birth.
This is not unusual as your body readjusts itself after the momentous
events of childbirth.. The “baby blues”
usually occurs 2 to 5 days after childbirth. You may experience periods of
weeping, mood swings, being overly sensitive, feeling overwhelmed, and just
plain exhausted. The “baby blues” usually resolves without medical treatment
within a week or two as hormone levels return to normal as you and your body
adjust to your new situation. It may help to discuss your feelings with friends
or family. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially when you need to sleep,
and tell your healthcare professional how you are feeling.
Postpartum
Depression:
A
Persistent Inability to Cope
C In contrast, postpartum depression is an episode of major depressive
illness characterized by a persistently depressed or irritable mood or
unexplained anxiety lasting more than two weeks.
C Postpartum depression
presents with typical depressive symptoms, including feelings of
hopelessness, helplessness, persistent
sadness, negative thinking or worrying, low self-esteem, loss of pleasure in
usual activities, sleep and/or appetite disturbance, irritability, and problems
with concentration, memory, and decision making.
C Significant
impairment, or feeling unable to care for the baby and/or yourself, or cope
with interpersonal relations, is also an aspect of postpartum depression.
How
does postpartum depression differ from the baby blues?
The “baby blues” is short-lived,
ending without treatment within a week or so. Any symptoms that are severe or
that persist after two weeks should be discussed with your
doctor or other healthcare provider. Women who suffer from postpartum depression
are persistently depressed for more than two weeks. Typical symptoms, which are present for at least two weeks, most of
the time, include:
C Feelings of sadness
or low mood; feeling “down”
C Loss of interest in
usual activities
C Difficulty concentrating
C General fatigue and
loss of energy
C Difficulty sleeping
or an increased need for sleep
C Significant weight
gain or loss
C Excessive or
inappropriate guilt
C Feelings of
worthlessness
C Feelings of
hopelessness
C Recurring thoughts
about death or suicide
C Unexplained anxiety
How
Common is Postpartum Depression?
C Approximately 10 to
15% of women who give birth will develop depression during the postpartum
period.
C Women with a history
of depression are at greater risk for subsequent depression after childbirth.
C Women who have
suffered through one bout of postpartum depression are more likely to
experience another. Some higher risk groups can be identified prior to
childbirth, and include:
- History of postpartum depression or mood
disorder
- Family
history of mood disorder
- Adverse
life events
- Marital
discord
- Poor
social support
C Most often,
postpartum depression can be treated effectively through the benefits of
interpersonal psychotherapy and/or with prescribed antidepressant medications.
What
about Postpartum Psychosis?
C In contrast, postpartum psychosis is
relatively rare, affecting 0.1%-0.2% of postpartum women. It typically occurs
within 4 weeks of childbirth.
C It constitutes a medical emergency and
immediate treatment should be sought.
C When delusions (fixed false beliefs)
are present, they often concern the newborn (i.e., that the infant is possessed
by the devil, has special powers, or is destined for a terrible fate).
C Suicidal ideation, obsessive thoughts
regarding violence to the child, lack of concentration and psychomotor
agitation are often present.
“Baby
Blues”, Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis: A Comparison:
|
CHARACTERISTIC |
“BABY BLUES” |
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION |
POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS |
|
Incidence |
30-80% |
10-15% |
0.1% to 0.2% |
|
Onset |
2-5 days after delivery |
Usually within the first 6 months
after delivery |
Usually within 4 weeks of delivery |
|
Duration |
Days to weeks |
Months to years, if untreated |
Needs urgent and intensive medical
attention. |
|
History of depression |
No association |
Strong association |
Strong association. 30-50% risk of recurrence after one
episode of postpartum psychosis. May
be more common in first time mothers. |
For
more information about Mental Illness - Contact:
The
Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI
of Greater Chicago
1536
West Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
312-563-0445