Risk Factors:
If you have had...
- PPD with a previous pregnancy,
- have a personal or family history of depression or severe PMS,
- if you felt depressed during pregnancy and/or had a complicated pregnancy and delivery,
- if you have experienced a fertility problem prior to conceiving
- if you have repeated pregnancy losses
- if you've had a very short or very long gap between pregnancies
- if you're given birth to multiples
- if you have a sick or difficult baby,
- it is particularly common in first time mothers (especially those who had a premature baby or a cesarean section)
- if you left the hospital within 24 hours of the birth
- if you're experiencing financial stress
- if you and your partner are experiencing relationship problems
- if you're not used to spending a lot of time at home
- if you're alone a lot or are lacking family support
- if you experienced the death of a parent during childhood or adolescence you are more likely to suffer from PPD.
Symptoms of PPD are similar to "Baby Blues," but are more pronounced.
You may have all or just some of the following:
- Crying frequently; irritability
- Difficulty making decisions
- Forgetfulness, confusion, or poor concentration
- Excessive worry
- Feelings of inadequacy; feelings of guilt
- A fear of impending disaster
- A fear of being left alone
- Nervousness
- Lack of energy
- Sleep issues (either not being able to sleep or sleeping all day) and/or nightmares
- Eating issues (having no appetite or eating all day)
- Feeling persistently sad
- Feeling like your life is out of control
- A lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
- An inability or lack of desire to take care of yourself or your baby
- Feeling like you don't want the baby
- A strong feeling to run away
- Feeling helpless
- Some women, instead of feeling depressed, will feel anxious or fearful, sometimes having panic attacks, rapid heartbeat and breathing, hot or cold flashes, chest pain, dizziness, and shaking.
What to do if you suspect you may have PPD:
- FIRST: Call your doctor and ask to have your thyroid tested. If your thyroid is throwing out irregular hormone levels you may feel emotionally unstable. If your levels come back normal you should ask to see a therapist who has experience with the treatment of PPD. Safe medications to take while breastfeeding are Zoloft and Prozac. Combine those with counseling and you may start to feel better very quickly (approximately 95% of women will see improvement within 3 months of starting and 65% will recover within a year). Some doctors will prescribe these medication during the third trimester if you're at risk for developing PPD. Quick interventions should be taken. Without them you may be at right for not being able to bond properly with, care for, or enjoy your baby. It can also have a horrible impact on your relationship with your spouse or significant other or even your children.
- Tell your partner, a good friend, or a relative how you are feeling.
- Get extra rest; if you're overtired, your depression and anxiety will become worse. Nap when your baby naps!!
- Ask for help. If you have family or friends that can help you with the extra housework, ask!
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid caffeine and sugary foods as these can worsen your symptoms. If you're finding it hard to eat, pick up some high-calorie nutritional supplements like Ensure.
- Get a shower every day. When you look good, you feel better.
- Get some exercise. Take the baby out for a walk! Exercise helps depression.
- Spend time with other adults. Invite some friends over, join a postpartum group, or make friends with other mothers. If you are experiencing PPD know that you are not alone and should not feel any shame. PPD is not something you can control getting. PPD is very treatable, so if you are suffering, get help - don't suffer any longer. The key to getting better is to recognize the problem early on.
You can visit:
- Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Support MN http://www.pregnancypostpartumsupportmn.com/
- Postpartum Support Groups http://www.robynsnest.com/doula.htm
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