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What is postpartum depression? -

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that occurs following the birth of a baby. Individuals with PPD experience emotional highs and lows, which shouldn't be taken lightly.

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Postpartum depression in men -

The partners of birthing parents can also develop a type of PPD called paternal postnatal depression. Estimates show that around 10% of first-time fathers have feelings of depression in the first year postpartum.

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It can affect non-biological parents -

Contrary to popular belief, PPD can also affect adoptive parents and surrogates.

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It's not the same as the baby blues -

Experienced by 50-85% of mothers, the baby blues are very common, and typically start within the first six weeks postpartum.

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Baby blues -

The baby blues typically manifests as sudden crying, and will usually clear up on its own. PPD, on the other hand, needs to be treated.

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What are the symptoms? -

Many feel sad, empty, moody, or fatigued, which can last for weeks after you give birth. Its symptoms can be severe and interfere with your ability to function.

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Postpartum mood disorders don't always show up immediately after the birth -

Symptoms can start to show within a few weeks of childbirth, but sometimes it can take up to a year. Most commonly, it shows up within three months of delivery.

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Treatment for postpartum depression -

If you have symptoms of PPD, you should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible to start treatment. This could include medication, therapy, and/or support groups.

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Causes and risk factors for postpartum depression -

The exact cause isn’t clear, but some factors may contribute to postpartum depression.

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Physical factors -

While you’re pregnant, your levels of estrogen and progesterone are higher than usual. Within hours of giving birth, hormone levels drop back to their previous state. This abrupt change can result in PPD.

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Emotional factors -

Undergoing stressful experiences during pregnancy can significantly impact the chances of developing PPD. These include recent divorce, the death of a loved one, and financial issues.

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Genetic factors -

Studies show that having a family history of postpartum depression, especially if it was severe, increases the risk of experiencing PPD.

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Postpartum depression includes different mood disorders -

PPD encompasses different mental health disorders, such as: depression, anxiety with or without depression, panic attacks, and OCD.

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Extreme sleep deprivation can trigger postpartum depression -

Getting a solid night's sleep is practically impossible with a newborn. That’s why shut-eye is the first thing doctors focus on for treating PPD.

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Many women suffering think they're the only ones -

Many women suffering from postpartum depression may assume that everyone else is going through motherhood like a breeze. But the reality is that many women are actually hiding their struggles.

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Postpartum psychosis is what you hear about on the news, but it's extremely rare -

In the most severe cases of postpartum mood disorders, women can experience postpartum psychosis. Affecting one to two women in every 1,000, it's rare but very dangerous.

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If you've suffered with PPD before, you can prepare yourself the second time around -

If you've suffered with PPD with one child, setting up a postpartum plan for your second pregnancy can be helpful.

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Staying prepared -

This way, you can notice symptoms right away and jump right into treatment before the symptoms begin to negatively impact your life.

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Helping a friend or loved one -

People with depression may not recognize or admit that they're depressed. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, help them seek medical attention immediately.

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Complications -

If left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems.

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For mothers -

Untreated PPD can last for months or longer. Mothers may have problems bonding with and caring for their infants. Even when treated, postpartum depression increases a woman's risk of future episodes of depression.

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For the other parent -

PPD can have a ripple effect, causing emotional strain for everyone close to a new baby.

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For children -

Children of mothers who have untreated PPD are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, such as sleeping and eating difficulties, as well as delays in language development.

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Prevention -

If you have a history of depression, tell your healthcare provider if you're planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

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During pregnancy -

During pregnancy, your healthcare provider can monitor you closely for symptoms of depression.

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After childbirth -

After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for PPD symptoms. The earlier it's found, the earlier treatment can begin.

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Diagnosing postpartum depression -

A medical professional will be able to assess your symptoms and medical history to reach a diagnosis.

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Having postpartum depression doesn't make you a bad mother -

Postpartum depression is totally normal, and it’s not a reflection of you or your abilities as a mom. Remember that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness.

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Normalize the stigma -

Talking about postpartum depression normalizes the stigma. It shows that maternal mental illnesses are common and manageable.

Sources: (Healthline) (Self) (Cleveland Clinic)

See also: What was it like to be a mother in medieval times?

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