Postpartum Depression
In the first few weeks after childbirth it is normal for new moms to experience what is known as the “baby blues”. Mood swings, tearfulness, trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability and inability to concentrate should fade in the first 3 weeks. If symptoms last longer than this or interfere with daily functioning-you may be experiencing Postpartum depression. With prompt treatment you can learn to manage symptoms.
Some signs of PPD:
- Loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Irritability or anger
- Exhaustion
- Loss of libido
- Lack of joy or interest in things you normally enjoy
- Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy or hopelessness
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
This is a very rare condition that is more severe and needs immediate attention by a professional.
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Paranoia
- Attempts to harm yourself or the baby
- Physical changes: hormonal changes, changes in blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism.
- Sleep deprivation
- Lifestyle changes: a demanding baby or older siblings, difficulty breast-feeding, financial problems, lack of support
- Genetics : some are more genetically vulnerable.
When to seek help: Its important to seek help if your symptoms
- Don't fade after a few weeks
- Begin to worsen instead of improve
- Are making it hard to care for your baby
- Are making it hard to complete daily tasks
- Include thoughts of harming yourself or baby.
- Develop, improve and expand on your coping skills
- Identify roadblocks
- Increase your knowledge and understanding of postpartum depression, which will bring more power and hope
- Help you identify and build a strong support system
- Help improve your bonding with your baby
- Learn skills to combat PPD symptoms
http://www.ppdil.org/
http://www.postpartum.net/
http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders/
- Alexian Brother Pregnancy&Postpartum; Mood&Anxiety Disorder Program : Hoffman Estates, Il 847-755-3220.
- From Despair to Hope Postpartum Depression Program: Melissa.Mckissack@sphd.org or Kim.Stobbe@sphd.org. 847-359-4919. 1610 Colonial Parkway, Inverness, IL 60067
- The Crisis Nursery: short term crisis care for children ages birth to six if you are experiencing domestic violence, parental stress, home crisis/homelessness, legal issues, family medical problem, mental health, substance use/abuse, job/school issues. 24-hour quality care for 3 days depending on need. Family Advocate Worker available to provide counseling 4015 N. Oak Park Ave. Bldg. B Chicago, Il 60634 # 773-205-3637
Mood and Anxiety Disorders during Pregnancy and Postpartum. Edited by Lee S. Cohen, MD and Ruta M. Nonacs, MD, PhD
A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Child-Bearing Years by Ruta Nonacs, MD, PhD
This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin
Postpartum Depression and Child Development by Lynne Murray and Peter J. Cooper
Sleepless Days: One Woman's Journey Through Postpartum Depression by Susan Kushner Resnick
Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Anxiety by Linda Sebastian
Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression by Shoshana S. Bennett and Pec Indman
