Post-partum depression affects one out of every eight women in USA. Thus, if every time you stare at your baby and you find him to be a stranger, or if you get all irritated and angry every time your baby cries, there is no need to feel guilty. You are suffering from post-partum depression.
Postnatal depression (PND), also known as Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects some women after having a baby. Typically, it develops within four to six weeks from giving birth, but can sometimes take several months to appear. Often, there is no clear reason for the depression.
Experts are aware of some risk factors linked to postnatal depression. However, nobody is completely sure what causes it. Doctors say that PND is effectively treatable, either with support groups and counseling, or such help combined with medication.
Parents need to be reassured that postnatal depression in absolutely no way means that the person does not love their baby - it is an clinical illness. Postpartum depression is not a character weakness. It is important that people with signs and symptoms see their doctor immediately.
Ref: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237109.php
Postpartum depression can begin any time during the first two months after you give birth. Symptoms may include:
Postnatal depression (PND), also known as Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects some women after having a baby. Typically, it develops within four to six weeks from giving birth, but can sometimes take several months to appear. Often, there is no clear reason for the depression.
Experts are aware of some risk factors linked to postnatal depression. However, nobody is completely sure what causes it. Doctors say that PND is effectively treatable, either with support groups and counseling, or such help combined with medication.
Parents need to be reassured that postnatal depression in absolutely no way means that the person does not love their baby - it is an clinical illness. Postpartum depression is not a character weakness. It is important that people with signs and symptoms see their doctor immediately.
Ref: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237109.php
Postpartum depression can begin any time during the first two months after you give birth. Symptoms may include:
- Irritability or hypersensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety and worry
- Crying or tearfulness
- Anger
- Negative feelings such as sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, or guilt
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping (especially returning to sleep)
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Headaches, stomachaches, muscle or backaches
Some women with PPD believe they can't adequately care for their baby or may harm their baby.
Ref: http://www.babycenter.com/0_postpartum-depression-and-anxiety_227.bc
What are the causes of postpartum depression?
Experts believe postpartum depression does not have just one cause, but is probably the result of multiple factors. However, the cause(s) of PND is still an enigma - nobody is sure.
The following potentially stressful events that may occur during pregnancy, childbirth or/and shortly afterwards, could be contributory factors:
- Depression develops during pregnancy
- Excessive worry about the baby and the responsibilities of being a parent
- Complicated or difficult labor and childbirth
- Lack of family support
- Worries about relationships
- Financial difficulties Loneliness, not having close friends and family around
- A history of mental health problems, such as depression, or a previous postpartum depression
- Health consequences following childbirth, such as urinary incontinence, anemia, changes in blood pressure, and alterations in metabolism. A Dutch study found that complications around the time of childbirth can raise the risk of postnatal depression. (Link to article)
- Hormonal changes - after giving birth, estrogen and progesterone (hormones) levels may drop considerably, as may other hormones produced by the thyroid gland
- Lack of sleep - newborn babies can cry a lot at night and deprive parents of a lot of sleep
- An unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- A UK study found that certain genes may have a positive or negative effect on postpartum depression risk, depending on a person's environment.
Ref: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237109.php
Postpartum depression is not your fault–it is a real, but treatable, psychological disorder.
If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, take action now:
Put the baby in a safe place, like a crib. Call a friend or family member for help if you need to.
Ref: http://www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-dep.aspx?item=5
Identify the signs of post-partum depression soon so that you can start on with the treatment options. Don’t delay; because when you will be out of depression, you don’t want to feel that you have lost some precious time with your child.
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