Postpartum Depression or “Baby Blues” 101
Let’s start out by saying your emotions as a new mom will ebb and flow. This shit is hard! Between the constant feedings, sleepless nights and trying to figure out what’s wrong with a tiny human who has no idea what’s wrong with themselves, it can be exhausting!
But if your sadness feels suffocating, like you just can’t shake it, you could be dealing with postpartum depression. PPD is a serious condition that affects many new mothers, typically emerging within the first few weeks after childbirth but it can occur anytime within the first year and even beyond. Recognizing the signs is crucial for seeking timely help and support.
As a new mom, you are likely to feel a number of these symptoms at some point within your baby’s first year of life so don’t jump to diagnose yourself too quickly. Once again, this shit is tough and you MUST have grace for yourself!
But experiencing these symptoms most of the time, with no reprieve, and to the point that it is affecting your ability to show up for yourself, your baby and your loved ones, could mean that you should talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing.
Emotional Symptoms
Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed most of the time.
Excessive Crying: Frequent crying, often without a clear reason.
Irritability and Anger: Increased irritability, anger, or frustration, sometimes directed towards your baby or partner.
Anxiety: Intense worry or anxiety, especially about your baby’s health and safety.
Guilt and Worthlessness: Feeling inadequate, guilty, or worthless as a mother.
Loss of Interest: Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, including spending time with your baby.
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue: Severe fatigue and lack of energy, even after “sleeping when the baby sleeps”.
Sleep Problems: Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much, unrelated to the baby’s sleep schedule.
Changes in Appetite: Significant changes in appetite, either eating too little or too much.
Physical Aches: Unexplained physical problems like headaches, stomachaches, or muscle pain.
Cognitive Symptoms
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Indecisiveness: Difficulty making even simple decisions.
Behavioral Symptoms
Withdrawal: Withdrawing from family, friends, and social activities.
Difficulty Bonding: Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling indifferent towards them.
Avoidance: Avoiding situations or tasks related to the baby, such as feeding or changing diapers.
Severe Symptoms
Thoughts of Harm: Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. This is a medical emergency, and immediate help should be sought.
Hallucinations or Delusions: Experiencing hallucinations or delusional thoughts, which can indicate a more severe form of postpartum depression known as postpartum psychosis.
When to Seek Help
Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with your ability to care for your baby or yourself.
Intense Symptoms: If you experience intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness.
Thoughts of Harm: If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek immediate medical attention.
Steps to Take
Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with your partner, family, or friends that you trust.
Consult a Healthcare Provider or Therapist: Reach out to your doctor, midwife, or a mental health professional for support and treatment options.
Join a Support Group: Consider joining a postpartum support group to connect with other mothers that might be experiencing similar challenges. You are not the first or the last mother to struggle with their emotions post-baby.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, eating well, SHOWERING, and engaging in physical activity (once cleared to exercise by your healthcare provider ofcourse).
Meditation: Taking time out your day to sit with yourself, breathe deep, and remind yourself that motherhood is no easy task, and that you are doing the best you possibly can, can be extremely beneficial to your mental health.
Medication: In some cases, medication such as antidepressants may be prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Postpartum depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help from your village/those around you is a crucial step towards recovery. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out for professional support.
