After-Pregnancy Blues: Cause for Concern? Writer / Tracey McInnes
It’s normal for moms to feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed or just plain tired after giving birth. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, up to 80 percent of mothers will experience the “baby blues.” “Most women get the baby blues within a few days of giving birth,” explains Tracey McInnes, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder program coordinator at IU Health. “These feelings usually disappear three to five days after they start. If a new mother’s blues persist longer than two weeks after she delivers, or if the feelings become more extreme and impact a mother’s ability to care for herself or her baby, she may have a more serious condition called postpartum depression (PPD). PPD can develop during pregnancy or up to a year after childbirth.” The following signs may indicate PPD: • Crying more often than usual (or for no apparent reason) • Losing interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyable • Eating too little or too much • Feeling moody, irritable, restless or angry • Having no energy or motivation • Oversleeping, or being unable to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Having a lack of interest in the baby • Constantly doubting ability to care for the baby • Having trouble concentrating or making decisions • Feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty • Thinking about hurting oneself or the baby “PPD can make it hard for women to get through the day, and undermine the confidence they need to care for their baby,” McInnes says. “Untreated PPD could even interfere with the baby’s brain development. That’s why it’s important to talk with your health care provider if you believe you might be experiencing PPD." PPD can be easy to overlook. After all, tiredness and other symptoms may result from sleep loss. A health care provider can determine whether symptoms are springing from another medical condition. Anemia, for example, can make you feel tired and irritable. Thyroid disorders can also cause symptoms similar to PPD. PPD can be treated effectively with talk therapy and/or medications. Your provider can help you choose the right treatment. If you suffer from PPD, consider finding a trusted friend or family member to talk with, in addition to talking with your doctor. Seek help with childcare and household chores if possible, and try to take time each day to do something special for yourself, resting as much as you can.
MARCH 2020
