As hormones return to the prepregnancy levels and new moms experience interrupted sleep cycles and physical changes to their bodies, many women experience the “baby blues” during the first days or weeks after their child’s birth. Feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, or sadness are normal. These feelings are mild and disappear on their own within a couple of weeks.
However, there are more serious postpartum mood disorders, which require attention and help from your medical provider, namely postpartum depression.
What are postpartum mood disorders?
Affecting about 15% of women, postpartum mood disorders, like postpartum depression can start during pregnancy and, after delivery, lasts longer than a few weeks.
Risk factors include high levels of stress, a family history of depression, being the victim of abuse, having diabetes or other chronic illnesses, complications in pregnancy, or if you smoke, drink, or use harmful drugs.
Common signs and symptoms
These are the common signs of postpartum depression:
Feeling depressed most of the day
Feeling guilt or shame
Feeling anxious or panicked
Having severe mood swings
Having trouble eating or eating too much
Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Having trouble concentrating
Having little interest in your regular activities
Thinking of hurting yourself or your baby
Thinking of killing yourself
When to seek help
It is very important to seek help if you are experiencing these feelings or physical symptoms. Many people have postpartum depression. Please put away the feelings of shame or guilt and seek the help you need. Help may come in the form of counseling, support groups, or medication. Your provider will help you decide what is best for you.
Tennessee Family Doulas can help you get the support and care you need postpartum. We would love to hear from you!
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