According to the CDC 1 out of 9 women experiences symptoms of postpartum depression. Sometimes postpartum depression can be mistaken for the baby blues but there are differences between the two. Majority of the time PPD can happen at any time after a birth and while experiencing the baby blues can seem like the same thing as PPD it is important for women to notice the signs for both in order to receive the help that they need. (1)
Baby Blues
There is a lot that happens during pregnancy and birth itself. Baby blues can happen mostly due to the hormonal shift that happens after the birth. It is estimated that 70-80% of new mothers experience mood swings or negative feelings after birth. This can be referred to as a temporary down that can appear 4-5 days after the baby arrives. Due to the hormonal shift, women relate it to a symptoms similar to PMS, understandably so after the emotional roller coaster of having a baby. Some women have found using essential oils for a postpartum period helps their baby blues symptoms and there is an article on which blends are best HERE. (2)
Some symptoms to look out for in baby blues includes:
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Lack of concentration
- Anxious thoughts
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Baby blues can last a few minutes up to a few hours a day, with symptoms lessoning or disappearing after 3 weeks. The best ways to lessen the symptoms is to take care of yourself. Many ways to prevent PPD is also taking into considerations the health of the mother. Do not be afraid to ask for help or know that you will not get everything done around the home. This is a great time for additional family members or community members to step in and offer to help any ways that you really need them to.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Opposite to baby blues, PPD can show up any time lasting longer than 3 weeks. The symptoms of PPD are similar to baby blues, except that they are more intense. After a few weeks of parenting, things may seem different around the house. The baby might not be sleeping, a mother is recovering and is sleep deprived, the house is a mess, these can all pile up to creating a very overstressed mother. PPD symptoms are often worse to a point where the mother cannot function. (3)
Some symptoms to look out for are:
- Avoiding family and friends
- Trouble feeling close to baby
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety
- Lack of interest in everyday tasks
Here are some red flag warmings that you should contact your provider ASAP:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming self or baby
It is important to reach out to your parter, close friend or family member if you are feeling overwhelmed as a mother. For more in depth information about PPD some great websites to refer to are www.postpartum.net and www.postpartumhealthalliance.org. You are not alone in dealing with these feelings and there is definitely help out there that can help you to start feeling more like yourself again.
Postpartum Help
Feelings of depression can signal your body’s way of letting you know that you have exceeded your physical and emotional capabilities to recent changes. It does not mean that you are weak as a mother but simply that your body has become extremely exhausted. Some ways to minimize these overwhelming feelings again goes back to focusing on the mothers health. Things such as:
- Getting help from a Postpartum Doula
- Getting outside
- Eating well
- Knowing that you should not be “doing it all”
- Support groups from a mom group, La Leche League
- Find a counselor specializing in PPD
- Work with a coach!
While any woman can experience symptoms of both baby blues and PPD those at more risk are women that have no support around, have experienced mood disorders before, have experienced domestic violence, experienced high levels of stress, or are not getting at least 5 hours of sleep per night. (4)
If you are in a place where you need support in your postpartum journey with love and care in the process visit the WORK WITH ME page to see how working with a coach can help.
Much love,
Krystina
