Postpartum Depression (Postnatal Depression) Perinatal Depression

About two to three days after giving birth, feelings of depression and anxiety are common. Mother may experience crying for no reason, having trouble sleeping or questioning their ability to care for your new baby. Women with postpartum depression have intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that prevent them from being able to do their daily tasks. Following are the symptoms of Postpartum depression

A loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex

Eating much more, or much less, than you usually do

Anxiety—all or most of the time—or panic attacks

Racing, scary thoughts

Feeling guilty or worthless—blaming yourself

Excessive irritability, anger, or agitation—mood swings

Sadness, crying uncontrollably for very long periods of time

Fear of not being a good mother

Fear of being left alone with the baby

Inability to sleep, sleeping too much, difficulty falling or staying asleep

Disinterest in the baby, family, and friends

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions

Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby (see below for numbers to call to get immediate help).

If these warning signs or symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, you may need to get help. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, recovery is possible with proper treatment.

Postpartum depression can be treated with medications called antidepressants. Talk therapy also is used to treat depression, often in combination with medications.

Antidepressants are medications that work to balance the chemicals in the brain that control moods. There are many types of antidepressants. Drugs sometimes are combined when needed to get the best results. It may take 3–4 weeks of taking the medication before you start to feel better. If a woman takes antidepressants, they can be transferred to her baby during breastfeeding. The levels found in breast milk generally are very low. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby. Deciding to take an antidepressant while breastfeeding involves weighing these benefits against the potential risks of your baby being exposed to the medication in your breast milk. It is best to discuss this decision with your ob-gyn or other health care professional.

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