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Postpartum Depression or "The Baby Blues"
Katharine Walker PA-CPostpartum blues, commonly called the “baby blues”, refer to a period of two weeks or less characterized by mild mood swings, irritability, anxiety, tearfulness, crying spells, decreased concentration and insomnia. Symptoms tend to appear within two to three days of delivery and resolve within two weeks.
Forty to eighty percent of postpartum women experience the postpartum blues, which are likely due to dramatic hormonal changes occurring after delivery. Treatments are focused on providing the woman with support and reassurance as this condition is short-lived.
Insuring that the mother has adequate time for sleep and rest can play a large role in recovery. Women with postpartum blues mustseek prompt medical counsel if their symptoms worsen or do not resolve within two weeks.
Postpartum depression occurs in approximately 5 to 9 percent of postpartum women and describes depression that begins within the first month after delivery and lasts longer than two weeks.
Symptoms can include:
- a sense of being overwhelmed or being unable to care for the baby
- feelings of inadequacy or being a failure as a mother
- not bonding with the baby
- intense irritability or anger
- feelings of guilt, anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- profound lack of energy
- weight or appetite changes
All symptoms should be studied in the context of the normal expectations for the postpartum period. Thoughts about harming oneself or the baby are common and generally recognized by the mother as illogical and do not predict suicide or infanticide.
Symptoms consistent with postpartum depression should be evaluated by a medical provider and treatment initiated promptly.
The approach to treatment often includes any of the following:
- establishing a healthy social support system
- reduction of stressors
- steps to promote adequate sleep
- regular exercise
- healthy dietary practices
- light therapy, individual or group psychotherapy/counseling and medication
Most often a multi-component plan is the most beneficial for long term recovery.
References:
Postpartum psychiatric disorders: AU Steiner M; SO Can J Psychiatry. 1990;35(1):89-95.
Postpartum Depression: Gaynes, BN, Gavin, N, Meltzer-Brody, S, et al. Perinatal depression: prevalence, screening accuracy, and screening outcomes. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ) 2005; :1.
Controlled prospective study of postpartum mood disorders: comparison of childbearing and
nonchildbearing women. AU O'Hara MW, Zekoski EM, Philipps LH, Wright EJ; SO J Abnorm Psychol. 1990;99(1):3-15.