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Postpartum Depression

The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.

Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.

But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.

Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.

Baby blues symptoms

Signs and symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:

  •        Mood swings
  •        Anxiety
  •        Sadness
  •        Irritability
  •        Feeling overwhelmed
  •        Crying
  •        Reduced concentration
  •        Appetite problems
  •        Trouble sleeping

Postpartum depression symptoms

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth.

Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:

  •        Depressed mood or severe mood swings
  •        Excessive crying
  •        Difficulty bonding with your baby
  •        Withdrawing from family and friends
  •        Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  •        Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
  •        Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
  •        Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  •        Intense irritability and anger
  •        Fear that you're not a good mother
  •        Hopelessness
  •        Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
  •        Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
  •        Restlessness
  •        Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  •        Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  •        Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

Postpartum Depression in New Fathers

New fathers can experience postpartum depression, too. They may feel sad or fatigued, be overwhelmed, experience anxiety, or have changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns ― the same symptoms mothers with postpartum depression experience.

Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems or are struggling financially are most at risk of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in fathers ― sometimes called paternal postpartum depression ― can have the same negative effect on partner relationships and child development as postpartum depression in mothers can.

If you're a new father and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner's pregnancy or in the first year after your child's birth, call our office today. Similar treatments and supports provided to mothers with postpartum depression can be beneficial in treating postpartum depression in fathers.

When to See Dr. Leveno

If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call our office and schedule an appointment.

It's important to call as soon as possible if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:

  •        Don't fade after two weeks
  •        Are getting worse
  •        Make it hard for you to care for your baby
  •        Make it hard to complete everyday tasks
  •        Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT
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