Feeling post baby blue? Find out of that sadness is a passing state, or something that is more serious.
You have just had a beautiful baby, and for some reason you cannot seem to stop crying. If this sounds familiar, know that you are alone, as many as 80% of new moms experience some sadness postpartum. In most cases, these baby blues are a passing state of emotions that only lasts a few days or weeks after delivery.
Moms who experienced postpartum blues may feel irritable or sad, and may have trouble sleeping. Normal post baby sadness does not interfere with the woman’s ability to care for her baby. In about 10% to 20% of new moms however, the baby blues are more severe. Postpartum depression is a condition that does interfere with the mom’s ability to care for her child.
The symptoms of postpartum depression include frequent crying jags, sleep disturbances, thoughts of suicide, weight and energy loss, lack of interest in anything, and feelings of guilt and even more serious post partum disorder is known as postpartum psychosis. This rare condition leads to psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and dilutions following a baby’s birth.
Moms with postpartum psychosis are more likely to have obsessive thoughts about their babies, and may act upon ideas of hurting them. No matter what postpartum condition a new mom has a hormone imbalance is thought to play a role. That is because levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol fall rapidly in the 48 hours after delivery.
Women who develop a postpartum disorder are more sensitive to these changes. Women with a history of depression are other mental illnesses. Women experiencing relationship problems and moms who have had a previous postpartum condition are all more likely to develop one of these illnesses.
Moms who have had the baby blues may find that being surrounded with the support network talking to other mothers, and getting more rest, will usually lead to abatement symptom in a few short weeks.
Women experiencing postpartum depression however will probably need a little extra help. Your doctor may suggest psychological counseling, or group therapy. She may also prescribe an anti-depressant medication like paxel or prozac, which will help regulate hormone imbalances.
If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about medications that are safe for you and your baby. If your doctor diagnoses you with postpartum psychosis, your treatment will involve more intense therapy and an anti-psychotic medication. If you are among the women who experienced postpartum sadness, remember that you are not alone and that you will recover.
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