It’s quite common for women who have just given birth to experience the “baby blues,” which is characterized by weepiness, feelings of vulnerability, difficulty concentrating, sleeplessness, and mood swings. Mostly this transitory condition – lasting about a week or 10 days – is the result of the exhaustion of labor and a rapid plunge in estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormones as well as blood sugar levels.
However, if these symptoms persist or reappear within six months of giving birth, and are accompanied by morbid thoughts, frequent crying, the inability to feel pleasure, and little or no interest in the newborn baby, postpartum depression (PPD) is often the diagnosis. PPD is a clinically serious condition that requires medical treatment, talk therapy and often anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications (which may preclude breastfeeding). In rare cases, a woman may develop postpartum psychosis, an extremely serious illness that includes all the symptoms of PPD but also thoughts of hurting oneself or one’s baby.
Women particularly vulnerable to PPD are those who have experienced;
Previous postpartum depression
Depression not related to pregnancy
Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
A difficult or very stressful marriage or relationship
Few family members or friends to talk to or depend on
Stressful life events during pregnancy or after childbirth such as a severe illness, premature birth or difficult delivery
In 1998, Sonia Murdock and Emily Sampino founded the non-profit Postpartum Resource Center of New York in West Islip – the only organization in the state whose sole purpose is to help families find the resources they need for dealing with depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period that follows. Murdock says that perinatal mood disorders are the most common medical complication related to childbearing, with up to 20 percent of women experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety.
“This is a major, national public health concern,” she says. “If not properly diagnosed and treated, the research on perinatal mood disorders has shown adverse effects on infant and child development, increases in domestic violence, substance abuse and unemployment, and in the most severe cases infanticide, homicide and suicide.”
The center, which helps over 300 women and families each month, features a statewide Helpline that offers free and confidential emotional support and education, workshops, a Web site with extensive information including a Perinatal Mood Disorders Resource Directory, and Circle of Caring support groups – run by two trained peer facilitators and a mood disorders specialist – which are run in collaboration with the National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC). The two organizations are closely aligned with Adelphi University’s Institute for Parenting.
In addition, Murdock says, the center has trained other mothers’ centers in its Circle of Caring program, including in Sayville, Wantagh, and Smithtown, as well as in Queens and the Bronx. “We’d love to see this program offered at every Mother’s Center across the country,” she adds.
Joan Swirsky is a psychotherapist, former OB nurse and the author of Gift of Life: A Spiritual Companion for the Mother- to- Be.
Helpful hints about dealing with PPD
Recognize PDD for the biological condition it is and seek help immediately.
Talk with other mothers so you can learn from their experiences.
Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy or right after giving birth.
Get in touch with people who can help you with child care, household chores, and errands.
Find time to do something for yourself, even if it's only 15 minutes a day. Try reading, exercising (walking is great for your health and is easy to do), taking a bath or meditating.
Keep a diary. Once you begin to feel better you can go back and reread it to see how far you’ve come.
Even if you can only get one thing done on any given day, remember that this is a step in the right direction.
Keep a diary. Once you begin to feel better, you can go back and reread it to see how far you’ve come.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with a new baby, but if you’re depressed it can seem than much harder. Go easy on yourself.
You’re not expected to be “supermom.” Be realistic about how much you can do, and ask other people to help you when you need it.
Find a support group in your area or call The Postpartum Resource Center of New York for a referral (number below).
Currently, a number of states are lobbying for legislation to mandate that obstetricians educate expectant mothers and their families about postpartum depression and screen new mothers for the widespread condition – a law which New Jersey was the first to pass in 2006.
One last word: PPD is a family affair. It’s not uncommon for the new father to feel overwhelmed and also bewildered if his wife is depressed. Joining a support group is good for the whole family.
