Giving birth to a baby is an exhilarating experience.

It can also trigger unexpected feelings of anxiety and depression. Known as the “baby blues,” you may have crying spells, mood swings and difficulty sleeping. Most of the time, these feelings pass on their own. But if the symptoms become more severe or last more than two weeks, it may be a sign of postpartum depression, a more serious mood disorder that occurs after giving birth that requires professional treatment.

If you suspect that you or someone close to you is experiencing postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to your OB-GYN or one of our nurse practitioners at South Miami OB-GYN Associates. The symptoms of postpartum depression will typically present within the first four weeks after delivery, but they can affect a new mother at any point during the first year.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a form of major depression that develops after the birth of a baby. It’s a complex combination of physical and emotional symptoms that new mothers can experience. Using a combination of therapy and prescription medication, postpartum depression is treatable. Interestingly it can also affect fathers, partners, surrogates and adoptive parents. 

The Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Characterized by extreme sadness and severe mood swings, you may also experience: 

  • Anxiety
  • Irrational and often uncontrollable irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
  • Inability to sit still and remain calm
  • Lack of interest in previously enjoyable things
  • Unusual changes in weight and appetite
  • Problems with digestion
  • Thoughts of death and suicide

It’s not uncommon for women affected by postpartum depression to also find it difficult to bond with their new baby. 

The Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Stressed Couple Suffering From Postnatal Depression at Home

If you have been diagnosed with postpartum depression, it’s important to know you are not alone. And you are not a bad mother. It’s simply a complication of birth.

There are a host of risk factors that could increase the risk of postpartum depression including:

  • Suffering from depression even before pregnancy
  • Suffering from a bipolar personality disorder
  • Having a family member diagnosed with a mental illness or depression
  • Going through a certain traumatic and stressful event during pregnancy
  • Having some medical complications during childbirth
  • Giving birth prematurely or to a baby with some health problems
  • Having no adequate support from loved ones, family members or a partner
  • Dealing with drug and alcohol abuse

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Your OB-GYN can generally make the diagnosis and refer you to a mental health professional for the following treatments:

  • Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health professional and sharing your concerns out loud can be therapeutic.
  • Antidepressants: SSRIs, aka selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are generally prescribed for postpartum depression since they increase the level of serotonin, which plays a key role in our mood, in your brain. The SSRIs are often prescribed for six months to a year. If you are breastfeeding, it would be important to share that information before taking any medication. 
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: This treatment utilizes magnetic waves in order to activate and stimulate nerve cells. Typically, the stimulation is performed five times a week for about a month to six weeks. This particular treatment is safe for women who are breastfeeding.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be beneficial, especially in combination with some previously mentioned treatments.

In addition to medication and counseling, there are practices you can implement on your own to speed up your recovery:

  • Asking and accepting help from those you trust
  • Setting realistic expectations and letting go of the need to be “perfect”
  • Spending as much time as possible with supportive loved ones and friends
  • Sharing your feelings openly with others
  • Avoid isolation
  • Napping when possible
  • Including physical activity into your daily routine, such as going out for a walk with the baby

It would be best to refrain from making some really big lifestyle or general changes during this time to avoid additional stress.

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

There is no one-size-fits all category for postpartum depression and no formula which will predict how long your symptoms may last. Many different factors need to be taken into account. For instance, hormonal changes, your overall baseline mental and emotional health, and other potential stressors in your daily life can all affect the severity of PPD.

The best course of action is to recognize the symptoms and schedule a visit to your OB-GYN who can refer you to a mental health professional. While it’s true that the baby blues are a common occurrence during the first two weeks after giving birth, recognizing postpartum mood disorders as something fairly unusual can allow the doctors to diagnose PPD as early as ten days after delivery.

A diagnosis of PPD can affect everyone in the family, particularly the baby.  Current research suggests severe postpartum depression increase the risk of adverse outcomes in children including cognitive delay, a higher rate of behavioral problems and academic issues. That is why it is essential to reach out to your physician as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will be able to cope with your depression and immerse yourself in the joys of motherhood.