Postpartum Depression

We are providing you with information on Postpartum Depression. If you are in a crisis situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. A list of resources can be found on page 4 of this packet.

Postpartum DepressionThe birth of a baby can trigger powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect—depression.

Many new moms experience the “postpartum baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.

But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy your baby.

SymptomsSigns and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.

Postpartum Baby Blues Symptoms • Mood swings

• Anxiety

• Sadness

• Irritability

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Crying

• Reduced concentration

• Appetite problems

• Trouble sleeping

Postpartum Depression SymptomsPostpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin later—up to six months after birth.

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings

• Excessive crying

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual

• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much

• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy

• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

• Intense irritability and anger

• Fear that you’re not a good mother

• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

• Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

Postpartum PsychosisA rare condition that typically develops within the first week after delivery. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Confusion and disorientation

• Obsessive thoughts about your baby

• Hallucinations and delusions

• Sleep disturbances

• Paranoia

• Attempts to harm yourself or your baby

Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.

When to See a DoctorIf you’re feeling depressed after your baby’s birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.

It’s important to call your doctor as soon as possible if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:

• Don’t fade after two weeks

• Are getting worse

• Make it hard for you to care for your baby

• Make it hard to complete everyday tasks

• Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If You Have Suicidal ThoughtsIf at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911.

Also consider these options if you’re having suicidal thoughts:

• Call your mental health specialist to get an immediate appointment, if you cannot-

• Call a suicide hotline number— in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255).

• Suicide Prevention Line 1.800.248.7475.

TreatmentTreatment and recovery time vary, depending on the severity of your depression and your individual needs. If you have an underactive thyroid or an underlying illness, your doctor may treat those conditions or refer you to the appropriate specialist. Your doctor also may refer you to a mental health provider.

The baby blues usually fade on their own within a few days to one to two weeks. In the meantime:

• Get as much rest as you can

• Accept help from family and friends

• Connect with other new moms

• Create time to take care of yourself

• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can make mood swings worse

Postpartum depression is often treated with psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or mental health counseling), medication or both.

• Psychotherapy It may help to talk through your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. Through therapy, you can find better ways to cope with your feelings, solve problems, set realistic goals and respond to situations in a positive way. Sometimes family or relationship therapy also helps.

• Antidepressants Your doctor may recommend an antidepressant. If you’re breastfeeding, any medication you take will enter your breast milk. However, some antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding with little risk of side effects for your baby. Work with your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits of specific antidepressants.

With appropriate treatment, postpartum depression usually goes away within six months. In some cases, postpartum depression lasts much longer, becoming chronic depression. It’s important to continue treatment after you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment too early may lead to a relapse.

Lifestyle and Home RemediesPostpartum depression isn’t generally a condition that you can treat on your own — but you can do some things for yourself that build on your treatment plan and help speed recovery.

10/15 MC 2136

ResourcesAdvocate Illinois Masonic 24hr Crisis Hotline 773.296.5380

Advocate Illinois Masonic Behavioral Health Clinic Support Group for New or Expecting Mothers 773.296.3126

Fussy Baby Network 888.431.2229 (In-home or phone consultations. Infant-parent specialists who focus on soothing techniques and feeding issues. They will listen to your concerns, provide support, and work with you to find effective ways to care for your baby.)

Healthy Families 773.296.5510 Free prenatal group to parents 23 years old and younger and doula services.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hours a day) 800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255)

New Moms 773.252.3253 2845 W. McLean Ave. Chicago, IL Emergency diapers, formula, Case Management, tutoring for GED, resume assistance, job training, etc.

Post Partum Depression Hotline (24 hours a day) 866.364.6667

Suicide Prevention Line (24 hours a day) 800.248.7475

• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Include physical activity, such as a walk with your baby, in your daily routine. Try to get adequate rest. Eat healthy foods and avoid alcohol.

• Set realistic expectations. Don’t pressure yourself to do everything. Scale back your expectations for the perfect household. Do what you can and leave the rest.

• Make time for yourself. If you feel like the world is coming down around you, take some time for yourself. Get dressed, leave the house, and visit a friend or run an errand. Or schedule some time alone with your partner.

• Avoid isolation. Talk with your partner, family and friends about how you’re feeling. Ask other mothers about their experiences. Breaking the isolation may help you feel human again.

Remember, the best way to take care of your baby is to take care of yourself.

Tuesday’s Child 773.423.5055. Free Home Visiting Program for pregnant/parenting families with children ages birth to 3 years old. (In-home caregiver-child activities, monthly parenting group, helps families connect with additional resources, such as financial assistance, ESL classes, child care, health insurance, etc.)

Domestic Violence:Chicagoland Domestic Violence Help Line 1.877.863.6338

Apa Ghar 773.334.4663

Chicago Abused Women Coalition 773.278.4655

Family Rescue 773.375.8400

Friends of Battered Women and Children 800.603.4357

Korean American Women in Need 773.583.0880

Metropolitan Family Services 773.884.3310

Mujeres Latinas en Accion 773.890.7676

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.7233 (SAFE)

Neapolitan Lighthouse 773.722.0005

Information contained in this piece was taken from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/basics/definition/con-20029130