Postpartum Depression
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is an illness that can occur two weeks after giving birth. It can last for months and can impede your ability to care for yourself and your baby. There are many reasons as to why postpartum depression can occur, however, the exact cause is unknown
"Baby Blues" vs. Postpartum Depression
It is common to have mood swings or "baby blues" after giving birth. In fact, 80% of mothers go through different moods after giving birth, starting from the third or fourth day up to two weeks. At times you may feel very happy, and then the next minute, you are overwhelmed with sadness. This is a normal phenomenon that you don't need to worry about unless the mood swings go beyond the two-week mark.
Postpartum depression compared to the "baby blues" will tend to last longer than two weeks, which may become a problem with activities of daily living.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
The following is a list of symptoms that may occur if you have postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is an illness that can occur two weeks after giving birth. It can last for months and can impede your ability to care for yourself and your baby. There are many reasons as to why postpartum depression can occur, however, the exact cause is unknown
"Baby Blues" vs. Postpartum Depression
It is common to have mood swings or "baby blues" after giving birth. In fact, 80% of mothers go through different moods after giving birth, starting from the third or fourth day up to two weeks. At times you may feel very happy, and then the next minute, you are overwhelmed with sadness. This is a normal phenomenon that you don't need to worry about unless the mood swings go beyond the two-week mark.
Postpartum depression compared to the "baby blues" will tend to last longer than two weeks, which may become a problem with activities of daily living.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
The following is a list of symptoms that may occur if you have postpartum depression.
- Lack of energy/motivation
- Lack of appetite
- Crying for no reason
- Having a hard time with concentrating/making decisions
- Having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
- Feelings of worthlessness/helplessness
- Feeling irritable/anxious
- Feeling that you are not a good mother
- Excessive sleeping
Postpartum Resources
- Center for Postpartum Health 818-887-1312
- Pregnancy Support International 800-944-4773
- Postpartum Adjustment Support Group 949-365-2144
- National Institute of Mental Health 800-421-4211
- Orange County Health Care Agency brochure Postpartum Depression: What You Should Know
- Centers for Disease Control site Depression Among Women of Reproductive Age and Postpartum Depression