Do You Know the Signs of Postpartum Depression?

Having a baby can be a joyous occasion for both mother and family. Before, during and after delivery, a strong mix of emotions can flood your senses, ranging from happiness and excitement to fear and anxiety. In some cases, one of these emotions can be depression.

It’s not uncommon for new mothers to experience something called postpartum, or postnatal, depression after giving birth. These “postpartum baby blues” may include mood swings, anxiety, crying spells and difficulty sleeping. Milder cases of postpartum depression typically begin two to three days after delivery and can last up to two weeks.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Common symptoms of postpartum depression may vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of baby blues lasting a few days to several weeks may include:

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

Symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than typical baby blues. These may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions
• Excessive crying
• Feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness
• Intense anger and irritability
• Loss of appetite or eating more than usual
• Problems bonding with your baby
• Problems staying asleep or sleeping too much
• Recurring thoughts of suicide or death
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Withdrawal from friends and family

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, an obstetrician at Riverview Health in Noblesville, IN, can provide a diagnosis for your postpartum depression and help you find ways to manage your symptoms safely.

If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 to get emergency help.

Postpartum Depression Causes

While there’s no single cause of postpartum depression, emotional and physical aspects may be associated with the condition, including:

• Emotional issues. During and after childbirth, you’ll most likely be sleep-deprived and have feelings of being overwhelmed. You may be anxious about how to care for your baby. You may feel less attractive or feel like you’ve lost control of your life. These issues and more can contribute to postpartum depression.
• Physical changes. After delivering your baby, you may experience a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone. Other hormones, such as those produced by the thyroid gland, may also be decreased. These changes in hormone levels can also be contributing factors.

Postpartum Depression Treatment in Noblesville, IN

If you’re experiencing feelings of depression after childbirth, the best, first step is to talk to your OB/GYN about it. Compassionate and experienced women’s health providers at Riverview Health offer personalized counseling.

For treating baby blues, your doctor may recommend getting more rest, connecting with other new moms, accepting help from friends and family and avoiding substances like alcohol, which can worsen mood swings. Treatment for postpartum depression may include seeing a mental health provider, antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

If you’d like to request a consultation about postpartum depression in Noblesville, IN, find an OB/GYN near you by calling 317.565.0535 or by completing an online appointment request form.