Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't bring happy thoughts like the ones you were expecting. If this is the case, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. If you have suffered depression anytime before giving birth, your chances of suffering postpartum depression are even greater.

Postpartum depression can occur in up to 16% of new moms, but this number may actually be higher due to the amount of untreated depression.

Don't confuse 'baby blues' with postpartum depression. Baby blues typically last from a few days to a week right after childbirth. This is very common and does not need treatment. An easy way to cope with it is to ask for help and support from friends and family. It also helps to talk to other new moms who are experiencing the same feelings.

Postpartum depression on the other hand, can occur anytime in the first year of your baby's life. If you have any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.

- sad, irritable, angry, frustrated

- feeling like you are a terrible mother

- guilt, not feeling worthy

- trouble sleeping, always exhausted

- thinking there is no light at the end of the tunnel

- an extreme change in weight, or loss of appetite

- you can't concentrate or remember things

- constantly worrying about things

- you burst out crying for no apparent reason

- anxiety

- do not want to talk or be with friends and family

- your baby does not make you feel happy

- blaming your baby for your feelings

- wanting to hurt yourself or your baby

Suffering from postpartum depression can be life changing. But you need to realize that it is not your fault. You aren't alone in this. Brooke Shields had postpartum depression, and she has written a very good book about it.

Things will get better. And until they do, there are many different support systems - friends, family, doctors and nurses, peer groups, counsellors, and hotlines.

Postpartum depression can be mild, moderate, or severe - so talk to your doctor to determine what type of treatment is best for you.

Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper.

---

Reducing Your Pain In Childbirth

Pain is the word most associated with labor. Women go... Read More

Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk

It is commonly recognized that breast milk is the best... Read More

Sex During Pregnancy

It is important that you nourish your relationship as much... Read More

Why Shouldnt I Smoke During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking,... Read More

Why Pregnant Women Get Stressed and Depressed?

If you are a pregnant mother or soon will be,... Read More

How do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests identify a special hormone in the blood or... Read More

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Weight control is a prevalent concern for many women after... Read More

How Do I Date My Pregnancy?

Accurate dating of pregnancy is one of the most important... Read More

Being Pregnant Is Not a Hurdle to Enjoy A Little Romance

Most of the time pregnant women are afraid to have... Read More

Will I Get Stretch Marks? If I Do, What Can I Do?

It doesn't seem possible at the outset of pregnancy, but... Read More

Pregnancy Sex - Its A Wonderful Thing!

Mums to be can often get worried about having sex... Read More

Kegel Exercise for a Healthy Pregnancy

With Kegal exercise, your pregnancy can be more comfortable before,... Read More

Very Early Symptoms of Pregnancy - Do You Know These Very Early Pregnancy Signs?

Very early symptoms of pregnancy -- what are they? If... Read More

How To Prepare For Natural Childbirth

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT BIRTH IS NATURAL,... Read More

Start Growing Healthy Children Before Getting Pregnant

When I was in my early 20's, I read Adele... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and will... Read More

Twins Pregnancy?A Father?s Point of View

So you're expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I... Read More

Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your... Read More

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Think you may need to do a home pregnancy test?... Read More

Eating Healthfully When A New Baby Arrives

A new baby can be overwhelming for the whole family.... Read More

Pregnant Running: Expectant Runners Share Stories and Advice

When I became pregnant I planned to run throughout my... Read More

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Many women have questions about the types of food that... Read More

Is Pregnancy Changes You?

People say pregnancy is a fun and exciting time. Probably... Read More

Moral Armor on Predational Pregnancy

We constantly hear of crackdowns on "dead-beat dads," but the... Read More

Abortions After Fetal Viability

Abortion is without a doubt one of the hottest and... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Importance Of Setting Goals

One of the best things you can do is set... Read More

The Ins and Outs of Being a Doula

A doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant." Doulas... Read More

Obesity And Pregnancy

If you are overweight when you become pregnant, your physician... Read More

Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing... Read More

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An... Read More

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number... Read More

The Sleepless Challenge

For me, it was "welcome to motherhood". Ready or not,... Read More

Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your... Read More