Bringing a child into this world and becoming a parent is envisioned as a joyful experience. For most, it is a time of happiness that is accompanied by a period of healing, sleepless nights and catering to a new soul that needs you around the clock. New mothers are often under significant stress from adjusting to motherhood while their body is trying to recover from hormonal imbalances after childbirth. It is normal for a mother to feel overwhelmed, sad, worried or tired within a few days of childbirth. In fact, these feelings, termed postpartum or baby blues, can affect up to 85% of new mothers. While these feelings typically go away within a few days, it’s crucial to recognize when a mother might be experiencing postpartum depression and need extra support.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects up to 30% of women worldwide after giving birth. It is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion that significantly impact a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby. Unlike the “baby blues” described earlier, postpartum depression typically begins two weeks after birth but can occur anytime within the first year.
Postpartum depression is part of a broader category known as perinatal depression,which includes depression occurring during pregnancy as well as after childbirth. Perinatal depression can often go unrecognized, yet it shares many of the same symptoms and challenges as postpartum depression, affecting the mother’s emotional health and her bond with the baby. Recognizing and treating perinatal depression early can be essential in preventing postpartum depression from worsening.
It is critical to identify postpartum and perinatal depression since they can harm both mother and child. Through education and awareness, we can empower families to recognize the signs early and ensure timely intervention and treatment for moms in need.
Recognize the warning signs of postpartum depression
Common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression include persistent sadness, bouts of crying, anxiety, hopelessness, irritability, withdrawal and difficulty concentrating. As new parents, these feelings can be increased when experiencing changes in sleep patterns, appetite disturbances or a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. In more severe cases, parents can have difficulty bonding; lack of interest in the infant andthoughts of injuring oneself or one’s baby can occur. Suicide is considered one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, accounting for about 20% of maternal deaths in the postpartum period. Women with postpartum depression are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with studies indicating that 1 in 7 women with postpartum depression may contemplate suicide. Identifying risk factors and early identification of postpartum depression can lead to more effective treatment and support for the mother and child.
Identify risk factors for postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can affect new mothers in many ways. Studies have shown that women without a strong social network of friends, family or community have increased feelings of loneliness and depression. An unstable household environment, marked bymarital, relationship or financial stress, can add to the emotional strain on a new mother trying to adapt to this new life. Mothers with a history of mental health issues also have an increased risk for developing postpartum depression. The transition to motherhood can trigger or worsen their previous conditions. Unplanned pregnancies can also causestress and anxiety. Lastly, complications during childbirth, such as a traumatic birthing process or chronic health issues, can leave a mother vulnerable. By understanding these risk factors, we can make a positive impact on these women’s lives.
How you can make a difference
We as spouses, friends and family need to support our new mothers during this vulnerable time with compassion and understanding. This begins with open communication, which can involve regularly checking in with a new mom about her feelings, experiences and needs. Make sure to provide a non-judgmental space where a new mother can express her struggles, feel heard and have her feelings validated.Practical help is equally important. This may mean offering to help care for the baby to give the new mom some rest, doing house chores or cooking a homemade meal for the family. If needed, encourage her to seek help from medical providers or counselors. You can show her you care by helping her find resources, setting up an appointment or accompanying her to those appointments. By combining these strategies, friends and family can significantly impact the well-being of new mothers and help them navigate the challenges of the postpartum period.
Conclusion
Postpartum depression is a significant but treatable condition that affects many new parents. Hopefully after reading this article, you are able to recognize the signs of postpartum depression in loved ones. When you can recognize the condition, you can utilize available resources and create a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, reaching out for help is the first step towards recovery. Pick up the phone and call your primary care doctor or obstetrician.
If you need a primary care doctor but don’t have one, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group has many doctors to fit your needs. If you’d like to visit an obstetrician, NGPG also has many providers you can book an appointment with.
Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free, confidential support for pregnant and new moms. If you are in mental health distress or have a suicidal crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.