The birth of a newborn is usually a joyous occasion for many, but in some instances the new mother experiences a range of emotional feeling and one of them is depression. If identified early and treated the outcome is usually very good but, unfortunately, many new mothers are not correctly diagnosed and this results in many complications and suffering.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious medical disorder that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It also can happen after miscarriage and stillbirth.
Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and you can enjoy your baby.
Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming a chronic depressive disorder. Even when treated, postpartum depression increases a woman’s risk of future episodes of major depression.
Postpartum depression is not the “baby blues” which usually go away within a couple of weeks.
What are some symptoms of postpartum depression?
Many women after childbirth have signs and symptoms that we term ‘baby blues’. These symptoms usually last a few days and are not very severe. They include mood swings, anxiety, sadness, crying, trouble sleeping and irritability. Individuals with postpartum depression might have these symptoms at first, but these signs and symptoms become more intense, and last longer, eventually interfering with the woman’s ability to care for her baby and to handle other daily tasks. Postpartum depression symptoms may include:
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex
• Lack of joy in life
• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swings
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
The signs and symptoms might last for weeks or months if not treated by a professional. If you are feeling depressed after your baby’s birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. I strongly urge you to call your obstetrician or doctor if the signs above and symptoms of depression are observed.
What causes postpartum depression?
We really do not know what exactly causes postpartum depression, but many experts believe that there’s no single cause. Physical, emotional and lifestyle factors may all play a role. The dramatic fall in hormones after childbirth might play a role as well as various changes associated with childbirth.
Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are important in the management of individuals with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is often treated with counseling and medication. Sometimes family or relationship therapy also helps.
With appropriate treatment, postpartum depression usually goes away within a few months. In some cases, it lasts much longer. It is important to continue treatment after you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment too early may lead to a relapse.
Prevention
If you are pregnant and have a past history of depression you should be under the care of an experienced obstetrician.
Regular prenatal visits to your obstetrician is required. You should tell your obstetrician that you had a previous history of postpartum depression as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies. In other cases, antidepressants are recommended — even during pregnancy. Following delivery, close monitoring is required – as well as an early postpartum checkup – to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier it is detected, the earlier treatment can begin.
Conclusion
The birth of a newborn is often a time of celebration and much happiness, but for some women the birth of a newborn is associated with depression. Postpartum depression can make the new mother feel very sad, hopeless and worthless. A mother may have trouble caring for and bonding with her baby. Loved ones and friends are often the ones to first notice that something is wrong with the new mother and often it is these persons who recommend that the individuals should see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to deal with this serious illness.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB, BS, DGO, MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
