Feeling sad after childbirth; just baby blues or postpartum

Excitation, delight, dread, and other strong emotions can all be sparked by the birth of a child but it may also lead to depression, which you would not expect. After giving birth, most new mothers endure postpartum "baby blues," which frequently include mood changes, crying bouts, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. The first two to three days after delivery are when baby blues often start, and they can linger for up to two weeks.

On the other hand, postpartum depression is a more severe and persistent kind of sadness that some new moms experience because it can begin during pregnancy and persist after childbirth, it is also referred to as peripartum depression. A severe mental condition called postpartum psychosis might infrequently manifest itself after birth.

Postpartum depression is neither a sign of personal weakness nor a lack of virtue. It can occasionally be a side effect of delivery. You should get postpartum depression treatment as soon as you can to manage your symptoms and improve your bond with your infant.

What forms of postpartum depression are there?

Postpartum mood disorders fall into three categories. They are:

Baby blues or postpartum blues

Between 50% and 75% of people experience baby blues after giving birth. If you have the baby blues, you will be unhappy, nervous, and cry for lengthy amounts of time regularly and for no apparent reason. One to four days after delivery is when the problem typically manifests itself in the first week. Despite how terrible the circumstance is, it usually resolves itself within two weeks. The best course of action is to ask your spouse, your family, or your friends for help and support.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression, a much more deadly illness than the baby blues, affects around 1 in 7 new parents. If you've already experienced postpartum depression, each subsequent pregnancy increases your chance by 30%. You may experience mood swings, uncontrollable crying, frustration, weariness, and feelings of guilt, anxiety, and incapacity when caring for yourself or your kid. Mild to severe symptoms may start to show up a week after birth or gradually, even up to a year later. Even though symptoms might continue for several months, psychotherapy or antidepressants are extremely effective forms of treatment.

Postpartum psychosis

A very severe type of postpartum depression that needs immediate medical intervention is postpartum psychosis. Only 1 in 1,000 persons after delivery are affected by this illness, making it very uncommon. The symptoms often start soon after delivery, are severe, and linger for many weeks to months. Severe agitation, bewilderment, feelings of helplessness and humiliation, sleeplessness, paranoia, hallucinations or delusions, hyperactivity, quick speech, or mania are some of the symptoms. Postpartum psychosis needs quick medical attention due to the increased risk of suicide and potential harm to the pregnant child. Medication, counseling, and hospitalization are frequently used as treatments.

Postpartum depression: what causes it?

It is necessary to research the connection between depression and sudden hormone drops after delivery. Estrogen and progesterone levels multiply throughout pregnancy but sharply decline after delivery. Three days after birth, these hormone levels reach their pre-pregnancy levels.

Having a child not only results in these bodily changes but also social and psychological ones that increase your risk of postpartum depression. For instance, your physical state may change, you could get less sleep, you could worry about parenting your kids, or your relationships could fluctuate.

What signs and symptoms show up after giving birth?

Some people experience embarrassment over their symptoms or believe they are bad parents for having such feelings. Postpartum depression is quite prevalent. It doesn't make you a horrible person; you're not the only one who feels this way.

If you go through any of the following, you could be suffering from postpartum depression.

Sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.

Overly fretting or being tense.

Loss of interest in past interests or pastimes.

Appetite changes or not eating.

Loss of motivation and energy.

Having trouble falling asleep or always wanting to sleep.

Crying excessively or without cause

Thinking or concentration challenges.

Suicidal thoughts or wishes to pass away.

How to tell whether it's postpartum depression or the baby blues?

Baby blues are a common side effect after childbirth. Postpartum depression and the baby blues have many of the same symptoms. However, baby blues symptoms are milder and linger for approximately 10 days. The symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and continue for weeks or months. You could be experiencing the baby blues if you feel the following:

Had fits of sobbing.

Feeling overpowered

You become apathetic.

Unable to fall asleep.

Experience abrupt mood swings.

Never forget that it won't harm to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your symptoms necessitate medical treatment, they can decide that. A lack of interest in your child or unease around your child. Thoughts of harming your child or feelings of dissatisfaction with having a child.

Consult your doctor if you think you could be experiencing postpartum depression. Your obstetrician, primary care physician, or mental health professional can be this. Your pediatrician can also be of use to you.

Can postpartum depression harm the newborn child?

Yes, the infant can suffer from postpartum depression. You must get care of yourself and your unborn child. According to research, postpartum depression may have the following effects on the kid.

You have a hard time connecting with your infant and building a relationship with them.

Your youngster may struggle with behavior or academic issues.

You're free to miss your child's pediatrician's visits.

Your youngster may have problems with eating and sleeping.

The risk of obesity or developmental issues in your child may be increased.

You can fail to provide for your child's needs or fail to notice when they are unwell.

Your child may lack social skills.

Prevention of postpartum depression 

Postpartum depression can be partially avoided. Knowing the condition's warning signals and the variables that raise your risk is helpful. Here are some recommendations for avoiding postpartum depression.

Be reasonable in your expectations for both you and your newborn.

When you initially return home, limit guests.

Let others know how they can support you by asking for assistance.

When your infant naps, you should also rest.

Get some exercise by going for a stroll and leaving the house sometimes.

Don't cut yourself apart from your family and friends; stay in touch with them.

Make time for your partner to help your relationship grow.

Be prepared for both happy and terrible days.

Diagnosis of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression cannot be diagnosed by a particular test. At your postpartum appointment, your healthcare professional will assess you. This appointment may involve a physical examination, a pelvic exam, blood testing, a discussion of your medical history, and how you've been feeling since giving birth. Many medical professionals plan prenatal checkups to check for depression two or three weeks after delivery. This guarantees that you get the assistance you require as quickly as possible.

To determine if you have postpartum depression, they could conduct a depression test or ask you several questions. They'll enquire about your well-being and that of your infant. To provide your provider an accurate picture of your feelings and ideas, be forthright and honest with them.

They can assist in determining if your sensations are common or signs of postpartum depression because postpartum depression can manifest symptoms that are similar to those of many thyroid disorders, your doctor may request a blood test.

Always be truthful with your healthcare professional; they are there to help you and make sure you are healthy. There is no condemnation, and you are not by yourself in your emotions.

How may postpartum depression be managed?

It's okay to experience overload. Having a baby is challenging, and parenting is a roller coaster of emotions. You don't have to suffer in silence if you experience depression. Your doctor can assist you in locating a treatment that is effective for you. Here are some strategies for dealing with postpartum depression.

Find a listener and helper to talk to, such as a therapist, friend, family member, or someone else.

Become a part of a new parents' support group.

Make an effort to eat healthy and schedule exercise.

Put your own rest in the forefront.

Talk to your buddies on the phone or go out with them.

Make time for yourself and activities you love, like reading or other leisure activities.

Ask for help with your errands or domestic duties.

Treatment for postpartum depression

Depending on the kind and intensity of your symptoms, postpartum depression is treated in a variety of ways. Medications for anxiety or depression, talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, and involvement in support groups are all available as forms of treatment.

Medication for sadness, anxiety, and psychosis may be part of the postpartum psychosis treatment plan. Until you're stable, you can also be hospitalized for a few days at a treatment facility. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be helpful if you don't improve after receiving this treatment.

Don't think that since you are nursing, you can't take medication for sadness, anxiety, or even psychosis. Your options should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner.

One in seven persons experiences postpartum depression, a common mood condition, after giving birth. You didn't cause it, and it's not your responsibility. You are not a horrible parent or person as a result. You have no control over the biological, physical, or chemical components that lead to PPD. Postpartum depression is characterized by feelings of sadness or worthlessness, a loss of interest in previously loved activities, excessive sobbing, and mood fluctuations. If you suspect postpartum depression, see a healthcare professional. They can determine the most effective way to treat your problems. A support group, medicine, or counseling may be beneficial.