Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
October 1, 2009

Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

70-80% of women have episodes of sadness, fear, or anxiety after childbirth. In a mild form, this is called ” baby blues.” Postpartum blues almost always go away in a few hours or days, but sometimes lasts a week or so.

Postpartum depression lasts longer and is more intense, and affects 10% of new mothers.  Counseling and treatment are often required to reduce the depression and speed recovery.

Who is at higher risk for postpartum depression?

Women who:

  • lack the support of a partner
  • have a history of postpartum depression, or a psychiatric illness
  • suffered from a recent stress, such as losing a loved one, family illness, or moving to a new city.

When should you suspect Postpartum Depression – and take steps to get help right away?

  • The baby blues don’t go away after 2 weeks.
  • Strong feelings of depression and anger come 1-2 months after childbirth.
  • Feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, or helplessness seem to increase each week and get in the way of normal functions.
  • The new mother is not able to care for herself or her baby.
  • The new mother has trouble doing tasks at home or on the job.
  • The new mother’s appetite changes.
  • Things that used to bring the new mother pleasure no longer do.
  • Concern and worry about the baby are too intense, or interest in the baby is lacking.
  • Anxiety or panic attacks occur.
  • The new mother fears harming the baby. These feelings are almost never acted on, but they may lead to guilt, which makes the depression worse.
  • The new mother has thought of self-harm, maybe even suicide.

DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

  1. Call your obstetrician’s office for help! Your OB can’t help if she or he is unaware of your struggle.
  2. Counseling:
    • for example, in our area Donna Rothert, PhD. at 1(510)273-9548 or
    • http://www.donnarothert.com ) who works with the Women’s Health Center in Walnut Creek CA.
  3. Support:
    • Postpartum Support International (PSI)
    • go to PSI’s website for more details: http://www.postpartum.net
    • or call PSI at 1(800)944-4PPD
    • PSI has a FREE “Warm Line” for postpartum depression.
    • PSI has a FREE weekly chat for men on Mondays
    • PSI has a free chat with an expert for women and their helpers on Wednesdays.
  4. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 or 1(800)273-TALK
  5. Supplements: take Omega3′s: 200-400 mgm DHA for prevention of postpartum blues or for the treatment of postpartum depression 1-2 gm EPA plus DHA
    • Beyond the Blues by Shoshana Bennett, PhD, and Ande Pee Indman, EdD, MFT
    • This Isn’t What I Expected by Valerie Raskin

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