Postpartum depression

Aurora BayCare Medical Center -  

Question: I had my baby three months ago and sometimes I still feel "blue." When should a woman see a doctor about postpartum depression?

Answer: Let me start by stating that "baby blues" and postpartum depression are very common. Over half of all women report having some mood-related symptoms or mild depression during the first two weeks after childbirth. So if you've experienced the baby blues after childbirth, you're not alone.

A certain amount of insomnia, irritability, fatigue, tears, feelings of being overwhelmed, and mood swings is normal. Baby blues usually peak around the fourth postpartum day and subside in two weeks or less when hormonal changes settle down. A smaller percentage of women report temporary bouts of baby blues throughout their baby's first year.

Most women with postpartum blues find that their mood swings vanish quickly. This "blue" feeling should not persist more than a couple of weeks after delivery.

Our biggest concern is when a woman experiences these feelings longer than two weeks after delivery. At that point women who are truly depressed may benefit from counseling and antidepressant medication.

In your particular case I would recommend that you consult with your health care provider, to determine whether or not you are truly depressed or just reacting normally to the many demands of new motherhood.

Women should know that postpartum depression (PPD) is a very real disease that affects approximately one in eight women after giving birth. PPD may develop any time in the weeks or months after childbirth. The hormone changes and grief following miscarriage and stillbirth may trigger PPD in some women.

So how do you know if you are suffering from postpartum depression and need medical help? Postpartum depression makes it hard for you to function well, including caring for and bonding with your baby. Babies of depressed mothers tend to be poorly attached to their mothers and slower in behavior, language, and mental development.

Without treatment, PPD goes on for an average of seven months, and may continue for a year or more. Prompt PPD treatment is important for both mother and baby. The earlier the mother is treated, the more quickly she can recover, reducing the chance of repeat depression, and the lessening the chance that the baby's development will be affected by her condition.

In very rare cases, dangerous postpartum psychosis symptoms can suddenly develop within the first three postpartum weeks, sometimes as soon as one to two days after childbirth. These symptoms tend to be severe and can trigger life-threatening behaviors without warning.

Postpartum psychosis is more likely to affect women who have bipolar disorder or have had postpartum psychosis before. Postpartum psychosis is considered an emergency requiring immediate medical treatment and follow-up care.

To prevent any serious problems for you and your baby, now is the time to work with your health professional to diagnose and possibly treat your symptoms.

If you should start having thoughts of hurting yourself, your baby, or anyone else, please see your health professional immediately or call 911 for emergency medical care.

Have a question? Send it to askadoc@aurorabaycare.com