Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in the weeks and months following childbirth. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/postpartumdepression.html Unlike the “baby blues,” a brief period of sadness which affects 70%-80% of new mothers and resolves after a few days, postpartum depression is longer lasting and more severe and often requires treatment to resolve. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp091.cfm

Women who have a personal or family history of depression are most at risk of developing postpartum depression after they give birth, as are those with anxiety, substance abuse problems, those undergoing stressful life events, and women with little support from others. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm However, even women who are not seemingly at risk can develop postpartum depression. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp091.cfm

The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to the symptoms for other types of depression, including sleep issues, weight changes, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, irritability, feelings of guilt, confusion, difficulty making decisions, and sometimes thoughts of suicide.http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_15755.asp

Researchers believe that postpartum depression is caused by the large changes in hormone levels after a woman gives birth to a child. It may also be caused by the stress of caring for a new child, and possibly by the physical demands, such as lack of sleep, due to a crying infant.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/postpartumdepression.html According to HealthDay, an animal study on mice may have pinpointed the cause of postpartum depression as the improper regulation of GABA receptors.http://healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=617940 New research suggests there may also be a link between "socially ascribed perfectionism," fueled by feelings that others expect one to be perfect, and postpartum depression.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38125735/ns/health-womens_health/

Much like other types of depression, medication and talk therapy are the two most common treatments for postpartum depression. Certain antidepressants do not enter into the breast milk once taken, and these may be safely used while breastfeeding.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546/DSECTION=treatments%2Dand%2Ddrugs Hormone therapy is also an option in the treatment of postpartum depression. For instance, estrogen replacement in the days following birth can help mitigate the steep decline in estrogen that may trigger the depression. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.