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Baby Blues or Post-partum Depression?
Do you need help?
One of today’s big questions for new moms is if I am feeling down—is it Baby blues or the more serious Postpartum Depression? Saint Elizabeth offers you some guidance on telling the difference.
The joys of life with your new baby are many. Of course, with the joys come some realities such as possible financial concerns, increased responsibilities, sleepless nights, additional worries and wondering if you'll make it as a parent. Welcome to parenthood!
While Baby Blues are common during early parenthood (those feelings of being overwhelmed the first few weeks at home), other forms of depression are more serious. Review the questionnaire below.
Baby Blues
About 80% of new moms experience irritability, sadness, crying, or anxiety, beginning within days or weeks postpartum. Like the more severe associated syndromes of postpartum depression, these baby blues are very common and may be related to physical changes (including hormonal changes, exhaustion, and unexpected birth experiences) and the emotional transition as you adjust to changing roles and your new baby.
Postpartum depression (PPD)
More serious than the baby blues, this condition is evident in 10%–20% of new moms and may cause mood swings, anxiety, guilt, and persistent sadness. Your baby may be several months old before PPD strikes, and it's more common in women with a family history of depression.
My “Baby Blues” versus “Postpartum Depression” guide
If you answer "yes" to several of these questions, please contact your Health Care Provider. If you feel this is an emergency situation, please contact your health care provider or 9-1-1 immediately!
• Are you having trouble concentrating?
• Have you lost interest in previous activities?
• Are you experiencing feelings of loneliness?
• Does the responsibility of parenthood seem overwhelming?
• Does your mind race with repetitive thoughts?
• Do you feel like you're just "going through the motions"?
• Are you afraid life will never be "normal" again?
• Do you experience palpitations, chest pains, sweating?
What helps the most
• Write down the name of 1 person that you can call 24 hours-a-day
• Eat a balanced diet
• Sleep when the baby sleeps
• Exercise each day-even if it's just a walk
• Network with other new moms
• Contact your Health Care Provider or Mental Health professional if feelings persist
Dad supporting mom
• Schedule and go to appointments at your Health Care Provider
• Be patient
• Listen and validate mom's feelings
• Provide emotional support
• Monitor signs of an emergency
• Talk about this with someone you trust
• Take care of yourself
• Arrange child care for breaks
• Encourage mom to rest as much as possible
• Make sure mom eats a well-balanced diet
• Make sure mom gets some physical exercise-even a walk around the block
• Give yourself credit!
• Encourage mom to give herself credit
• Take one day at a time
Postpartum Depression Class
Saint Elizabeth also periodically offers classes in Postpartum Depression ---recognizing it, is this me?---and how to get treatment. Bring a friend or two! To find out when the next class will be offered call TLC at 219-7000