Postpartum depression affects 10 - 15 % of all new moms. Severity and length distinguish it from the Baby Blues. Postpartum depression is a serious illness. “It happens gradually, then suddenly.” (1) Postpartum depression can be treated. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom. 

The depression of postpartum can happen after a baby’s birth, after a miscarriage, or after a stillbirth. It can happen to first time moms or veterans, with a first child or third. It can begin like the Baby Blues, but it doesn’t disappear in 2 to 3 weeks; or it can begin 3 weeks to 6 months after delivery. Either way, the symptoms of severe anxiety, fear, irritability, loss of appetite; the feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, shame, guilt, inadequacy, isolation, and worthlessness; the mood swings, overwhelming fatigue, restlessness, trouble sleeping, sadness of deep magnitude, and thoughts of harm to self or baby; can last for months. The causes can be drop in hormone levels, changes in thyroid hormone, changes in blood pressure, blood volume; a demanding baby, emotional anxiety, marital conflict. The risk factors include a history of depression, family history of bi-polar disease, a complicated birth, and multiple births.  

Postpartum depression is especially alarming because it comes at a time that should be happy. “As I was breastfeeding a newborn and tending to my toddler son, each day I expected things to get easier but they just kept getting harder. Because my daughter came 2 weeks late, my 6 weeks before work was to begin was suddenly 4 weeks, and I felt like I was always in a rush. The adjustment from 1 child to 2 is hard for everyone, but even still it just felt like things were too hard and I couldn’t understand how I was going to keep up. Sure, there were stresses like money and a house that was too small and the cesarean was taxing, but the anxiety was building and there was no apparent cause. Just 3 months after my daughter was born, I was suicidal, then catatonic when my husband and friends took me to the hospital to be treated for postpartum depression.” (2) Princess Diana, Marie Osmond, and Brooke Shields, are just a few famous persons who suffered. 

The debilitating depression doesn’t go away. Treatment is needed. Treatment is counseling and antidepressant drugs (many compatible with breastfeeding). Eating well, exercise, sleep, breastfeeding (providing a gradual change in hormones) and Omega 3, help. Pregnancy uses huge amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Research found that the more omega-3 fatty acids a woman consumed in seafood during the third trimester, the less likely she was to show signs of major depression at that time and for up to eight months after the birth. (3) If you experience depression that remains after a few weeks, seek Medical advice. Early intervention speeds recovery. 

In the book "Diana: The Last Word" by Simone Simmons, late in her first pregnancy Diana threw herself down a staircase trying to draw attention to her pain. She says, "I wanted Charles to put his arms around me and say he loved me, but all he ever did was give me a pat on the back.” Support continues to be lacking. Acceptance of feelings, without minimizing them or judging, can be the single most important action family or friend make.  

References

(1)  Postpartum depression described by words in the movie Prozac Nation

(2)  Postpartum Survival Guide www.ppdsurvivalguide.com

(3) Eat Fish, Beat Postpartum Blues, by Lauren Johnston. C BS News archives. 

Readings

“It Sucked and Then I Cried” by Heather B Armstrong

“The New Mother Syndrome” by Carol Dix

“Down Came the Rain” by Brooke Shields