sad mom of a newborn
This very weighty topic of postpartum depression (PPD) is of the utmost importance to new moms in Southwest Florida. In learning more about PPD, I have gained a new understanding of the road that many new moms walk. I hope you will, too.
Postpartum Depression Explained
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of clinical depression that can be experienced by women following the birth of a child. Symptoms can include prolonged sadness, loss of appetite or changes in eating patterns, insomnia, low energy, anxiety, and irritability, among other issues. Several studies have attempted to pinpoint specific causes of postpartum depression, but have been unable to do so conclusively. Many experts suspect significant hormonal changes play a role.
It is estimated that 10-15% of new moms experience postpartum depression. These are just estimates, though, as some instances of postpartum depression go unreported to care providers. Postpartum depression can impact the bond built between parent and child, can affect a mother’s ability to properly care for her child, and can negatively impact child development.
Interestingly enough, PPD can appear in pregnant moms before the birth of their child. Typically, though, PPD appears a couple of weeks to a month after delivery and can last up to a year. However, parents can begin to experience the onset of PPD up to a year following childbirth.
In very rare cases, moms may develop a severe form of PPD called postpartum psychosis. These cases may involve severe mood swings, hallucinations, and possibly require inpatient psychiatric treatment.
What to Do if You Are Experiencing the Symptoms of PPD
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and following delivery are significant. Some women who experience the symptoms of postpartum depression write these symptoms off as normal for hormonal, sleep deprived, emotional postpartum women. That was certainly my experience. As I researched this topic, the days and weeks following my daughter’s birth came flooding back to me. Memories came to mind of suddenly bursting into tears, low energy, anxiety over small tasks, and extreme irritability with my husband – and I’ve recently felt upset with myself for not being honest with my care provider. I remember my husband lovingly asking me on several occasions, “Are you depressed?” My response was always, “I’ve got this. Please don’t worry about me.” Maybe I shouldn’t have written off my symptoms so quickly.
Postpartum depression varies in degrees, and many parents can find relief from support groups, counseling, and/or medication. It is vital to seek help and encouragement from those around you. If you are a new mom who believes she is experiencing postpartum depression, tell someone about your experience – your partner, a close relative or friend, your doctor or care provider – as soon as possible.
Local Resources for Those with Postpartum Depression
For those who may be experiencing PPD, call your obstetrician immediately for an appointment. In my research, I was unable to find any local support groups for those experiencing postpartum depression. Some Encouragement for New Moms with Postpartum Depression
I reached out to local mothers to get their experience with PPD. I am humbled by their willingness to share their experiences with you – what courage that takes! Their names have been changed and their purpose in sharing is to encourage others walking this very difficult road.
Ashley: Mom of 3: I was 13 weeks pregnant with my second when we moved to Naples. My husband started a new job, and beginning a new life here was really overwhelming – especially while dealing with the normal emotions of being pregnant. My depression started during the end of my pregnancy.
My doctor wanted me to wait to take medication until after I delivered (if I felt I could – which I did). It was a really rough month. I felt like I could barely get through my normal day-to-day life with my first child. After I gave birth, I remember walking the hallways of the hospital with my newborn and my husband – and just crying the entire way. I had hoped that maybe when I had the baby, I would be better. But I wasn’t.
Thankfully, my newborn was my saving grace – she was my joy in the midst of a really dark place. I got on a small dose of medication about a week after giving birth, and it changed my life. Within about a month, I felt like a new person. But those first few weeks after giving birth, I still felt the overwhelming heaviness of not being able to handle my life.
To others dealing with PPD – don’t be afraid to tell someone: your husband, your doctor, a close friend, or your pastor. It’s so much more common than you know. Don’t be afraid of medication. Medicine doesn’t have to be a lifelong decision – it may just be what you need for a short time.
Beth: Mom of 2: For me, the worst part about PPD was that you feel as though it should be the happiest time in your life -- I just had a beautiful, healthy baby! Why was I so sad and unbalanced? The guilt of feeling sad was maddening. It was a terrible cycle of sadness and shame for my sadness. I also had insomnia on top of the already existing sleep deprivation.
Melanie: Mom of 2: I never knew how depressed I was until a year after the birth of my child when I started explaining to someone how I felt during that time. The sleep deprivation and the intense needs of a nursing newborn were so consuming and overwhelming that all I could do was cry. I’m thankful that the depression left, but I wish I had asked for help during that time. There were plenty of people who would have helped, but in my mind, I had to prove that I was strong and could do it on my own. I believed the lie that I was all alone and unable to fulfill a role that everyone said would come so naturally to me. To other new moms with a similar experience: please seek help, regardless of how small or large your depression seems.
Elizabeth: Mom of 2: I felt like I had a relatively mild form of PPD. I would feel angry with my baby when obviously, nothing was his fault. I would get the feeling of being so overwhelmed with my life with two kids, and it was hard push myself, which is very unlike me! I would allow myself to have breakdowns and cry, and the emotional release seemed to make it better. Hanging out with my like-minded friends made life much more enjoyable until times got easier. For me, PPD was so difficult because I was always the woman who could do it all. I felt embarrassed to admit I was having a hard time. Women don’t want to admit that maybe they aren’t enjoying being a mother because of PPD. Motherhood is much more work and far more overwhelming than anyone makes it out to be.