Postpartum Depression
Have you been looking forward to being a new mother forever, but it’s just not what you expected?
Regardless of the exact scenario, having a baby is a huge change! At times, it can feel like you’re on a roller coaster with lots of emotional ups and downs. One moment you’re feeling joy, and the next you feel overwhelmed and crying uncontrollably. .
Not only are you going through tremendous physical and hormonal changes, you are also getting very little sleep while this precious little human being is completely dependent on you. It can be outright daunting!
I remember the first few months of new motherhood like it was yesterday. The days felt very long, sometimes as if they were never going to end. The nights merged with the days creating confusion and disorientation.My whole life felt like it consisted of two hours increments of the baby needing to eat, sleep and be changed. I felt overwhelmed, under resourced and often stuck.
Having experienced this first hand after the birth of my own children, I can truly relate to how incredibly overwhelming this time can be.
Unfortunately, what most women don’t realize is how life changing it can feel to get help and have a place to receive support about all of the changes you’re going through.
Did you know that nearly 80% of women will experience what is called the Baby Blues during the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth. We live in a culture where we are not educated as new mothers on how to deal with this highly common experience. In fact, our cultural messages are how “great” you’re supposed to feel as a new mother.
But new motherhood is complicated. You might be feeling mood swings and weepiness. Some women report crying out of the blue or getting upset about little things that never seemed to be a big deal before. I want you to know this is quite normal and often goes away rather quickly on its own or with the right support.
Sometimes the Baby Blues persist longer. When this happens it can result in what’s referred to as Postpartum depression and/or anxiety. Nearly 15-20% of women develop Postpartum depression or a related mood issue. If you think you might fit into this category you may notice one or more of the following symptoms occurring:
- Sad or depressed mood much of the time
- Irritability or anger with those around you
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Anxious or panicky feelings
- Difficulty eating or sleeping
- Upsetting or intrusive thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind
- Feeling out of control or like you’re going crazy
- Concern that you might hurt yourself or your baby
- Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or joy in the things you used to enjoy
It can be very upsetting to experience these symptoms. Obviously, you want to feel better and enjoy your baby in the way that you had hoped. Most mothers I initially work with know how amazing it would feel to be fully available to bond with their child, but are afraid it won’t happen.
It’s important to know that a number of women are actually more prone to developing postpartum depression. The are risk factors that may have placed you at a higher risk of developing this issues are:
- Previous history of depression
- History of severe PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Medical complications for you or your baby
- Relationship difficulties
- Lack of support from family or friends
You might be wondering how postpartum depression counseling can help and how you can even do this when you are a new mother and can barely leave your baby. Because this is such a vulnerable period for women, I really try to be as flexible as possible.
I offer home visits for women that are unable or too overwhelmed to leave their home.
Many women also bring their babies with them to my office either with a caretaker or without.
Together, we can look at and assess how serious your symptoms are. I might have you bring in your partner or another supportive person in your life and we can look at ways to make the initial postpartum easier. If some cases, I might suggest a psychiatric referral as I have developed many great relationships with psychiatrists in the community who specialize in postpartum depression.
Remember, while having a new baby can be challenging, you are not alone! I’ve dedicated a large part of my career in helping new mothers like you transform your difficulties into the preciousness that motherhood has to offer.