postpartum depression: more than just blues

story by | heather bjur, MA, LAMFT

“I didn’t even want to go to Target because I was so tempted to drive right off the road. It was then I decided we probably shouldn’t have any more kids.” Kirsten, mother of 2, Moorhead

“All I could do was cry and envision throwing my baby at the wall.” Heather, mother of 2, Hawley

“The anger was so intense I just wanted to throw the TV remote through the glass doors in my living room, knowing it really wouldn’t hurt anybody, but it might make me feel better.”

Taunya, mother of 3, Hawley

Does this sound horrifying…does this sound familiar?

Postpartum depression can be an ugly monster. The drastic changes in hormones during those first days and weeks after giving birth to that little bundle of joy can send a new mother reeling and wondering why she’s not filled with elation and excitement. She might think, “I’ve been waiting to be a mom my whole life, and THIS is what it’s like? Are you kidding me?!” ppd facts

Postpartum depression [PPD] is more than just the “baby blues.” Seventy to 85% of women experience baby blues in the first ten days after giving birth. They also are much more temporary and don’t tend to impair functioning as compared to PPD. The symptoms of PPD are intense and can even include psychotic features in addition to the typical symptoms of depression, which are:

• depressed mood

• loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities

• decreased energy

• changes in appetite, weight or sleep

• feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

• recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plans or attempts

PPD sufferers also report intense mood swings and/or anger. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [July 2000, text revision] includes symptoms of: preoccupation with infant well-being, the intensity of which may range from over-concern to frank delusions. The presence of severe ruminations or delusional thoughts about the infant is associated with a significantly increased risk of harm to the infant.

For women with a prior history of depression or other mood disorders, the incidence of PPD is higher, unfortunately. It also tends to run in families—for example, if your mother experienced PPD, your chances are greater. Some experts believe the onset of PPD can happen anywhere from immediately after birth until the child’s first birthday, although the American Psychiatric Association indicates that onset must occur within the first four weeks after birth to qualify as PPD. Regardless of when it began, once a woman has had it, the risk of reoccurrence increases by 30–50% [some sources say up to 90%] with each subsequent birth. also be thankful we live in the day of modern medicine with some very good options available:

• medication Many antidepressants are available by prescription, but if that’s not a route you’d like to go, as many breastfeeding moms don’t care to take medication while nursing, there are other avenues you can explore.

Ppd Healing

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, so THAT’S what I was going through?!” know that you’re not alone and you’re not crazy either. Many women struggle in silence, either out of fear or a genuine apprehension about admitting to someone that they feel awful or have had thoughts of harming their baby. Either way, walking this path alone can make the situation more intense. By talking to your health care provider, counselor, trusted friend, or all three, the simple act of getting it out in the open can bring some relief immediately. You can your partner advice for the significant other witnessing ppd next time…

• vitamin d The “sunshine vitamin,” has everyone talking about its benefits. We all have heard that no one gets enough of it, especially in this part of the country, since our summer months with direct sunlight are so short. Vitamin D is also found in many foods, including milk, but as Renee Johnson, RN, says, “Vitamin D is the one vitamin that we simply can’t get enough of through food.” Talk with your doctor about dosages if you plan on taking a supplement, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Some women are finding they no longer have to rely on antidepressants after starting a regimen of Vitamin D.

• progesterone therapy A third option is doctorprescribed progesterone therapy, something that many clinicians are not aware of, but that often brings relief in within hours. More information about progesterone for PPD may be found at www.naprotechnology.com/depression.htm.

Always talk to your doctor about any new treatment, as this article does not serve as a supplement or alternative for health care.

Another great resource can be your husband or significant other. He knows you better than anyone and should be put on “mood duty” as a kind of monitor for you. You might not sense that you’re heading downhill until you’re really low, but someone looking in from the outside can see it before it goes too far. Ask him to keep an eye on you and be sure to take him seriously if he brings the subject up. He might say, “Honey, you seem really angry today, I’m wondering if we should call the doctor.” If he says this, listen to him and don’t get defensive; take his words to heart. He cares about you and your child and probably wouldn’t say something unless he was concerned.

PPD can put stress on your relationship…a relationship that is already stressed due to the birth of a baby. Often couples report that the birth of their first child is the single-most challenging event of their lives to that point. This can be a tumultuous time; however, it is important to remember this is just a season. Winter isn’t forever… spring always follows. Most things in life are easier to get through when thought of in those terms.

Help the new mommy get enough rest—most women will report that they are more able to deal with life when they’ve had some sleep. That unsolicited advice you received from 23 people the week the baby was born, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” is actually really, really good advice…for all three of you! Make sure there is extra help if needed; hire someone to clean the house if that’s what it takes. Make sure to get some “couple time” in, too. If baby goes to bed early, rent a movie, pop some popcorn and take a break…together! Be sure to get out of the house, also—it’s okay to have grandma or a trusted friend watch the baby for a couple hours.

If you’ve experienced PPD before and are gearing up for another birth, there are several things you can do to prepare for a possible second round:

• tell the doc Make sure to inform your health care provider that you experienced PPD with your first birth. Let them know what your symptoms were, the severity, whether you sought treatment and if that treatment was successful or not.

• talk to a friend Tell someone close to you. Your partner probably already knows, but if you’re not one to talk about things like this openly, choose to confide in a close friend on whom you can rely, if need be. You might want to make sure this person could come over with little notice if you’re really struggling or if you need a break for a little while.

• accept help If people offer to help with meals or childcare for the older sibling[s]…let them! This is one time where you need to take all the help you can get! If you’ve hired a doula, ask her about post-partum services. Some will even come to your house and make meals or clean. It’s something that can be included in your contract.

• fun therapy With the help of your significant other or your friends, plan some fun activities like a pedicure, coffee out with some other moms, a new haircut, etc. Plan something that will energize, not drain you. If you’re not an extrovert, coffee with several other women could be draining or even overwhelming, but a pedicure with your sister could be just the ticket. If you are energized by being around others, make sure you do more than just read a book at the park by yourself; call some friends and have lunch together.

A Final Word

If you know that something is just not right and things aren’t getting better no matter what you do, don’t be afraid to call your doctor or a therapist. Trained professionals are here to help and it does not mean that you are weak or that you can’t handle life; sometimes we just need an outside perspective to help us get back on track. Of utmost importance, however, is if you believe you might be in danger of harming yourself or your child, call for help immediately. Arm yourself with information and support and it will make getting through what you’re going through a lot less challenging!

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As a Certified College Planning Specialist I can work with you on strategies for saving and paying for college.