Post Partum
Postpartum Depression vs. the Baby Blues
Many new mothers, about 80%, experience a form of depression know as the “baby blues. Baby blues and postpartum depression have similarities but they also have distinct differences. Baby blues typically kick in within a few days of giving birth and resolve within a couple of weeks. In this time you are going through the adjustment period of no longer being pregnant. That takes a toll on your mind, body and lifestyle. The timing is different for everyone as it can depend on the support system you have and your own coping skills.
Typical symptoms of baby blues can include:
- Crying more often or longer than usual
- Worrying about hurting yourself or your baby
- Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
- Lack of interest in bonding with your baby
- Self-isolation or avoidance of friends and family
- Feelings of anger that last longer or are more intense than usual
- Change in appetite
https://www.freepik.com/photos/postpartum’>Postpartum photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com
Postpartum Depression Risk Factors
courtesy microsoft office
Any mother can develop postpartum depression, For some the risk is higher than others. The following is a list of some of the possible risk factors:
- Feelings of depression before or during pregnancy
- Feelings of anxiety before or during pregnancy
- Loss of a partner before, during, or soon after pregnancy
- Traumatic or complicated birth process
- Difficult baby temperament (colic, fussiness, restlessness)
- Low self-esteem
- Challenges with feeding your baby
- Financial stressors
- Access to childcare
- Work-life balance
- Hormonal changes or thyroid issues
- Relationship issues (domestic violence, divorce)
Feeding Resources
Postpartum Disorder Specialists
Relationship Resources
Feel free to contact one of our Marriage and Family Therapists. They can lead you in the right direction for additional resources as needed.
Postpartum Depression
EDINBURGH POSTNATAL DEPRESSION SCALE
The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Inventory is a list of questions developed to help women clarify when they may need particular kinds of postpartum support, especially concerning changes in mood and self-perception. Answering the following questions should only take a few minutes of your time. Be honest as you can, as your candor will help you to understand the status of your situation. Jot down the answers to these questions on a piece of paper as they reflect how you have been feeling in the past seven days, not just today.
In the past 7 days:
- I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things:
As much as I always could 0
Not quite so much now 1
Definitely not so much now 2
Not at all 3
- I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:
As much as I ever did 0
Rather less than I used to 1
Definitely less that I used to 2
Hardly at all 3
- I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:
Yes, most of the time 3
Yes, some of the time 2
Not very often 1
No, never 0
- I have been anxious or worried for no good reason:
No, not at all 0
Hardly ever 1
Yes, sometimes 2
Yes, very often 3
- I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason:
Yes, quite a lot 3
Yes, sometimes 2
No, not much 1
No, not at all 0
- Things have been getting on top of me:
Yes, most of the time I haven’t been able to cope at all 3
Yes, sometimes I haven’t been coping as well as usual 2
No, most of the time I have coped quite well 1
No, I have been coping as well as ever 0
- I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping:
Yes, most of the time 3
Yes, sometimes 2
Not very often 1
No, not at all 0
- I have felt sad or miserable:
Yes, most of the time 3
Yes, quite often 2
Not very often 1
No, not at all 0
- I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:
Yes, most of the time 3
Yes, quite often 2
Only occasionally 1
No never 0
- The thought of harming myself or my baby has occurred to me:
Yes, quite often 3
Sometimes 2
Hardly ever 1
Never 0
Now, add the score for each of your responses. (The points for each item are listed at the end of the response.) If the total of your score is 12 or higher, you may been experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.
If your answer to question J is “Yes, quite often,” it is important that you seek help immediately by speaking to your health care provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.