“Guest Post From HealthyPregnancy.com”
For many new mothers, a striking change of mood in the weeks following a birth can be a bit unnerving, especially after months of hectic schedules and major life changes.
Indeed, a sense of sadness, loss of energy, and bouts of crying can be an unwelcome series of events when a mother is already trying to adjust to a new life with a baby. However, a sudden change in mood is a regular part of having a child, with up to 80% of new mothers experiencing a period of “baby blues.”
When Sadness Becomes a Concern
It is when this sense of sadness and lethargy does not go away in a reasonable amount of time, however, that a case of “baby blues” may start to become what is known as postpartum depression.
And while everyone goes through periods of sadness every once in a while, particularly when a person has experienced a big change in life, prolonged periods in this state may be a cause of concern and a sign that a person should consult their physician.
Here are just a few differences between a briefcase of the baby blues and postpartum depression.
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When Feelings of Tiredness and Sadness Don’t Go Away
The period following the birth of a child is a time of great happiness for a new mother. However, it is also a time when the body must naturally readjust itself to a new form of care for a baby. As the body naturally adapts to feeding and taking care of a newborn, the brain’s response can often be to go into a state of clinical depression.
Knowing the Signs of Postpartum Depression
When this state of depression persists for longer than two weeks, it may be a sign that additional help is needed for a new mother to get back to a normal emotional level. While the following is by no means a complete list, consulting a physician should be a priority for mothers who experience any of the following symptoms for over two straight weeks:
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Feelings of hopelessness or anxiety
- Loss of interest in passions
- Inability to sleep or extensive oversleeping
Tips for Combating Postpartum Depression
Fortunately, physicians can do much to aid new mothers in overcoming a case of postpartum depression. Discussing options for treatments with a physician such as counseling or a program of anti-depressant medication can do much to make healing manageable. (It is especially important to discuss a plan for anti-depressant medication with a doctor, as anti-depressants can affect what chemicals a child receives through breastfeeding.)
For these reasons, knowing how a case of the baby blues can tip over into a spell of postpartum depression can significantly help new mothers to be prepared after the birth of a child.
After all, a new birth is a time of celebration and happiness, and no one wants to spoil a bonding period with their child with the added difficulties of low mood and energy. Fortunately, there is much hope for mothers who want help for postpartum depression, and a wealth of professionals and natural remedies to assist them.
Related: 10 Depression Quotes that may change your life.
Healthy Pregnancy is an amazing site that covers various pregnancy and postpartum related topics. From pregnancy nutrition tips to helpful ways to deal with your pregnancy symptoms they have you covered. Hop on over and tell them I sent you.
*Do you or does someone that you love have the baby blues? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS. I ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR FROM MY READERS!
