How to Recognize Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is a thrilling event. It’s exciting. However, adjusting to a newborn in the house can be difficult and stressful. Many physical and emotional changes happen to a woman when she is pregnant and after she gives birth. These changes can leave new mothers feeling sad, anxious, afraid or confused. For many women, the baby blues go away quickly, but when these feelings do not go away or get worse, a woman may have postpartum depression. This is a serious condition that requires treatment. Here are five ways to recognize the symptoms and select appropriate care.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand That the Baby Blues are Normal
   The baby blues can occur in the days right after childbirth. A new mother may have sudden mood swings such as feeling very happy and then feeling very sad. She may cry for no reason and can feel impatient, irritable, restless, anxious, lonely and sad. The baby blues may last only a few hours or as long as 1 to 2 weeks after delivery. The baby blues do not always require treatment from a health care provider. Often, joining a support group of new moms or talking with other moms helps.
2. Pay Attention to Yourself
   PPD is a condition that describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many mothers can have after having a baby. There are a wide range of symptoms which include: Restlessness or irritability, sadness or crying a lot, no energy, physical symptoms, sleeplessness or being very tired, change in appetite and weight, trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions, overly worried about the baby, not interested in the baby, feeling helpless, worthless and guilty and fear of hurting the baby or yourself.
3. Express Concerns and Ask for Help
   Pay attention to what you’re experiencing and share your concerns with your partner or a friend. Ask for help. Talk with other mothers so you can learn from their experiences. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Your body has been through big changes. Lack of rest often keeps a new mother from regaining her full strength for weeks. Sometimes women think they have to be "Super Mom" or perfect, which is not realistic and can add stress.
4. Talk to Your Health Care Provider Immediately
   Talk with your health care provider right away if you're feeling that the blues or depression are not going away. When a woman's ability to function is affected, this is a sure sign that she needs to see her health care provider right away. Do not be shy about telling your doctor your concerns. Not all health care providers know how to tell if you have PPD. Ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.
5. Talk to Your Partner, Family and Friends
   The good news is that if you have the baby blues or PPD, there are things you can do to take care of yourself. Get good, old-fashioned rest. Always try to nap when the baby naps. Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest. Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house--run an errand or take a short walk. Spend time alone with your husband or partner.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a support group for women with PPD. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.
• If a woman does not get treatment for PPD, symptoms can get worse and last for as long as 1 year. While PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated with medication and counseling.