Skip to Main Content

Yes, You Can Enjoy Motherhood: Signs of Postpartum Depression (and How to Treat It)

September 01, 2022 Posted in: Family Health , Article

Many people think the first days and months after giving birth should be the happiest and most magical time of a woman's life, but not all women experience it that way. Postpartum depression, also called postnatal depression, is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth and affects as many as 15 percent of mothers, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Aside from the typical signs of postpartum depression, the condition is further complicated by the mom feeling guilt for not appreciating the new child. This self-perception may cause affected mothers to close off and avoid discussing their feelings with others, which is why it's so important that family and friends are able to recognize the signs.

The condition should not be viewed as a weakness or flaw. It's quite common and can be treated, and if you're the one affected, know that it doesn't have anything to do with being a good mother or caring for your new child. Some women fall in love with their baby over time; it's OK if you don't experience that feeling right away after giving birth.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Signs of postpartum depression typically appear as a combination of symptoms that aren't much different from regular depression, including:

  • Constant feelings of sadness
  • A lack of enjoyment from old hobbies and favorite activities
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
  • Increased anxiety
  • Low self-esteem

Postpartum depression may not appear until six months after the child is born, but more often it develops in the first few weeks of motherhood. It may last a few months. If left untreated, it could develop into a chronic depressive condition.

Risk factors include a history of depression or bipolar disorder in the patient or her family, significant life stresses, or if the baby has major health issues. Interventions such as talk therapy and increased psychological and social support, both during and after pregnancy, can help reduce the likelihood that postpartum depression will develop -- or at least better equip new mothers to deal with it.

Treatment Options

If postpartum depression does occur, treatment may include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sometimes antidepressants. Antidepressants are rarely used for breastfeeding mothers unless the need is pronounced, because this medication will enter the breast milk. Your obstetrician is trained to watch for signs of postpartum depression, but it's still important to provide her information about the symptoms.

Practice Good Self-Care

Giving birth and caring for a baby is exhausting, both physically and emotionally, and it's easy to become overwhelmed and drained. Luckily, there are several methods to help you feel better. The following tips are good advice for moms who are not experiencing depression, as well:

  • Get real. Let go of perfectionism and high expectations. There is a good chance you need a meal, a bath, a change of clothes, and a nap, but the baby needs all those things, too. Find ways to work personal time into your baby-care routine.
  • Get out of the house. Take the baby for a walk when you can. Meet with a friend so you feel less isolated; conversations with other adults can help you stay connected. Consider joining a support group for new moms.
  • Get help. Talk to your doctor, let people know how you're feeling, and be sure to accept their help. You have a lot to deal with, and offered aid will bring relief, companionship, and rest.

Take care of yourself so you have the emotional and physical strength to take care of your baby. If you are experiencing depression, get help; it can help you better connect with your baby and enjoy motherhood.

What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean?

NOV 09, 2024

When you see your doctor, it seems like one of the first things they do is check your blood pressure readings. Even pharmacies and grocery stores have blood pressure machines for you to check your pressure on your own. So checking your blood pressure...

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean?

Allover Wellness: Benefits of Yoga for Heart Health

NOV 09, 2024

Yoga seems to be more popular than ever. If you haven't tried it by now, it's likely you at least know someone who goes to yoga groups or stretches along with an instructor on TV. Because of its prevalence, most people know that yoga is a practice th...

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | Allover Wellness: Benefits of Yoga for Heart Health

The Surprising Link Between Mental Health and Heart Disease

NOV 09, 2024

The connection between mental health and heart disease is nothing new to health care professionals. Doctors have long known that behaviors associated with certain mental health disorders can increase the risk of heart disease, but that might not be t...

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | Mental Health and Heart Disease: The Surprising Link

Download the my baby. app

Patterned Breathing - Dignity Health

my baby. guides you through pregnancy milestones, helps you identify symptoms and issues, and connects you to services like nurse support. Let us help you stay healthy as you grow your family.