Postpartum Depression: How to Identify and Assist in Early Stages
Postpartum depression affects lots of women after they give birth. “Within the first twelve months following birth some women become sad, moody, lose their appetite, and cannot sleep,” says Dr. Susan Landers, “They seem to doubt their ability to care for their new baby. They cry excessively and express feelings of sadness & emptiness which linger for more than 2 weeks.” Postpartum depression can be severe or mild and can come on quickly. Severe cases of postpartum depression may require antidepressants or therapy. Knowing whether a new mother is suffering from postpartum depression is the first step toward getting professional help.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Approximately 70–80% of women will experience some form of the baby blues. Whether or not it’s postpartum depression depends on a professional diagnosis. PPD can affect mothers at any age and of any race. Symptoms are similar to that of clinical depression except that PPD usually doesn’t last more than twelve months.
Some women are so affected by this condition that they have trouble functioning. One woman shares her personal struggle with PPD and how she found the light at the end of the tunnel. “At the advice of my friends, I sought medical help and was diagnosed with postpartum depression and prescribed Zoloft and Xanax. I can’t describe the relief I had on the medication. I felt like myself again,” says Beth McCarter who runs the-travel-fam.com and teachablestem.com.
PPD can be dangerous, particularly if the mother is suicidal or has thoughts of harming her infant. “Between 1 and 2 women out of every 1,000 will develop postpartum psychosis — a severe and potentially deadly disorder,” according to postpartumdepression.org. In these cases, it’s important to get professional help immediately. Being in tune with the new mother is one way that partners can offer support during this difficult time.
How do I Know if it’s Postpartum?
Women with postpartum have difficulty eating, sleeping, and performing daily functions such as hygiene upkeep. Some other symptoms include being sad or depressed often, frequent crying or tears, feeling restless, irritable, or anxious, loss of interest or pleasure in life, unexplained weight loss or gain, a feeling that life is not worth living, and less interest in their children, according to Aniko Dunn, Psy.D. These symptoms can greatly interfere with a woman’s quality of life and her ability to be emotionally and physically available for her child. If left untreated, it can become dangerous.
PPD affects every woman differently. If there are no thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby, the condition is considered mild. Thoughts of harm make the condition severe. Severe conditions generally require professional intervention, possibly by a psychiatrist or a therapist. Because PPD can remain undiagnosed for a long period of time, early intervention is crucial. The success rate for treatment is 80%, according to postpartumdepression.org. Therefore, women who want to heal have nothing to lose if they seek treatment.
Effects on Newborns
Newborns are often in tune with their mother’s feelings and can sense when their mother isn’t feeling her best. “Children whose care is under mothers who experienced postpartum depression may develop both emotional, and cognitive problems that are associated with sleeping and eating difficulties, excessive crying, and delay in their first language development,” says Dr. Boyer of Farr Institute. Because new mothers with PPD often have difficulty with caretaking duties such as breastfeeding, it’s important for those closest to them to pay attention and frequently check in with the mother.
Babies who are born to single mothers suffering from PPD may have an even more difficult time adjusting because there might not be enough caretakers for the baby. As the baby grows, a mother with PPD may have trouble bonding with her infant. This can cause the baby to have difficulties with emotional attachment later in life.
How to Assist Women During the Early Stages
Women who are experiencing postpartum depression need support from others in their immediate environment. This could be a partner, a family member, or a friend. “A strong support system is vital for any new mother. Asking permission though is important. Don’t assume the mother wants you to hold and take care of the baby,” says Eileen Moran, LCSW-R, PMH-C “Best bet is prior to the birth, discussing how you can help. Many new parents need help with domestic chores (shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning). Being there is best!”
Domestic help can improve the mother’s overall living situation which will cause her to feel less stressed. Reduced stress can help lessen some of the effects of PPD. Too much stress can be paralyzing for new mothers so it’s important to give them the time and space they need to relax and free their minds. Help from friends, family, or caretakers frees up more time for the mother to spend working or with her new baby.
Domestic chores are important but they aren’t the only type of help that new mothers need. If a mother works full-time but has difficulty managing her schedule, she can ask her company to offer more assistance either through generous maternity leave policies or flexible work hours. It might also be beneficial to drop down to part-time work, if necessary. Achieving a work-life balance is ideal for new mothers.
Support from loved ones and coworkers can also be beneficial for mother and baby. Grandparents, friends, and partners can provide the groundwork for a strong support system. Whether it’s a mild case of the baby blues or a severe condition such as postpartum psychosis, understanding the options is vital for new mothers.
Conclusion
Postpartum depression can affect mothers and their newborns significantly. Finding the right approach to the condition can lead to better outcomes for families. As women navigate the world of motherhood, they need friends, family, and other sources of support. Fortunately, PPD is treatable and there are more and more options available. Women who explore these options will benefit greatly.
