It is normal after you deliver your baby to experience the baby blues, so normal in fact, that it is not even considered an illness. The baby blues, or postpartum blues, are usually mild and occur 3-5 days after delivery and last up to 2 weeks. A woman with the baby blues may feel sad, irritable, on edge, or have trouble sleeping. These symptoms do not interfere with a womans ability to care for her baby and are unrelated to past mental illnesses and stress.

In contrast, women who experience postpartum depression develop a more disabling form of mood disturbance. Postpartum depression, or postpartum nonspychotic depression, occurs soon after you have a baby. It occurs in about 10-20% of women, and can happen anytime within a few months of delivering a baby.

There are risk factors that include a previous bout of major depression, high stress levels, an inadequate support systems, and previous premenstrual syndrome disorders. How do you know when your baby blues are normal (because they dont feel very normal) and when you should be more concerned and contact professional help? Here are some symptoms of postpartum depression:

– You may feel upset, alone, afraid, or unloving toward your baby.

– Feelings of guilt, or worthlessness for experiencing these emotions

– Depressed mood

– Tearfulness

– An inability to enjoy activities youve previously enjoyed

– Trouble sleeping

– Fatigue, loss of energy

– Appetite problems, weight loss

– Agitation or anxiety

– Decreased interest in sex

– Feelings of rejection

– Suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of death

– Feelings of inadequacy as a parent

– Inability to concentrate, or an impaired concentration level trouble making decisions

– Worry about the babys health and well being

– Negative thoughts about the baby and/or fears about harming your infant

– Depression that interferes with your ability to care for your child

– Symptoms usually appear anytime from 24 hours to a few months after delivery

In addition to the symptoms listed above, you may experience physical symptoms associated with depression, as well. Many of the physical symptoms can be associated with those that accompany anxiety, such as headaches, chest pain or rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.

If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression you should talk with your health care practitioner. It is often helpful to keep a journal or diary of your moods and symptoms. A journal can not only to relieve symptoms of depression, but also to help your health care practitioner to better assess your situation.

Posted in Postpartum

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