Mon, Oct 06 2008
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Published June 20, 2008 06:09 pm - Did you know that about 80 percent of all new mothers experience “baby blues” within the first few weeks of childbirth? Is it ‘baby blues’ or postpartum depression? BABY NET By SHELIA CATLETT, MSN, RN, IBCLC, ARNP, Baby Net Coalition For the Daily Times GLASGOW — Did you know that about 80 percent of all new mothers experience “baby blues” within the first few weeks of childbirth?
Postpartum can be a happy time for new mothers. It can also be a time of very mixed emotions. Mothers may cry easily and not even know why they are crying. They may feel irritable, overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious and even sad. But as awful as it may seem at the time, these symptoms are quite normal and should only last for a short period of time. In fact, the symptoms often improve as new moms begin to balance their rest and sleep by napping more often during the day to make up for their loss of sleep at night. Moms also seem to do much better adjusting to the hormone changes if they have the support and encouragement they need from the baby’s father. Other family members and friends can help too. With less pain and more confidence in caring for the baby, soon those “baby blues” disappear. Another condition – postpartum depression – is a much more serious medical problem. It happens when the “baby blues” last longer than two weeks or if symptoms become more severe. About 1 in 8 women develop postpartum depression. These moms typically feel very sad and/or deeply depressed. They often have feelings of guilt and have difficulty sleeping and concentrating. They often cry for long periods of time, inconsolably. They often have difficulty caring for themselves or their babies. They may have thoughts of hurting themselves or others. These feelings can occur anytime within three months after the birth. Other postpartum mood problems in-clude anxiety or panic disorders. Some women also experience recurring thoughts or behaviors that disrupt their daily living. Women with postpartum depression symptoms should seek medical care and treatment immediately. Postpartum depression does not simply go away. It is very real and very serious. Women who have had problems with depression in the past are much more likely to also experience depression during pregnancy and postpartum. Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner if you experience feelings of depression or any of the other feelings identified in this article. Getting help early will allow you to feel more like yourself again and better able to enjoy your new baby. Visit: www.babynetky.com 
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