Do I Really Need to Be Concerned About Postpartum Depression?

A Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System revealed that moderate depression is reported by nearly 12 percent of women during the postpartum phase and six percent of women say they are very depressed during the postpartum phase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After you have a baby, you expect to feel overwhelming joy and love, but as you can see this is not always the case for all women. Postpartum depression is very real and it is something that women need to talk about and be prepared for just in case they find themselves experiencing it.

When It Isn't Just the Baby Blues

The baby blues are not uncommon. Some women feel a little down that they are no longer pregnant. They feel somewhat overwhelmed that they now have to care for this tiny person and may have some episodes of crying. However. The baby blues generally last only a few day and then the new mom goes on to being excited about her new bundle of joy. Postpartum depression is persistent and can worsen. If you have given birth and are feeling depressed and these feelings have been around for longer than two weeks, it is time to talk to your doctor. Two weeks is too long to just be the baby blues.

Recognizing Postpartum Depression

A friend of mine who experiencing postpartum depression described it as broad and persistent. She said one day she would feel completely hopeless and the next she would be severely irritable. These two signs are things that a woman can experience. Crying, sadness, feeling overwhelmed and helpless are other feelings. Some women cannot focus, have appetite and sleep troubles and will not care for themselves or their new baby. Aches and pain, headaches and stomachaches are also possible.

Do I Have to Just Suffer Through It?

Absolutely not. If you are not breastfeeding, there are antidepressant medications available that are often helpful for women. It is important to mention again that you should not breastfeed on these medications. There are some medications that may be safe to take while breastfeeding. It is critical that you talk to your doctor about this thoroughly if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding. In many cases, antidepressant medications are taken for at least six months. Therapy in the form of simply talking to a psychologist may also be helpful. This may be done along with medication or by itself without any medication. It really depends on how you are progressing and feeling. What it most important is that you are getting the help you need to feel better.