Baby & Pregnancy : Postnatal Depression

Between ten and fifteen percent of new mothers are depressed after giving birth according to research. Sporadic bouts of depression lasting weeks or months affects
many more. Whilst some baby blues due to exhaustion and hormone activity are quite normal immediately after having a child, new parents need to be aware of certain factors.

Postnatal depression symptoms

People suffering from PND may experience some of the following:

· Frequent inexplicable bouts of tears;
· Sleeping difficulties;
· A feeling of ineptitude especially around other new mums;
· Difficulty in telling how much time has passed;
· Feeling you have to put on a brave face and hide how you really feel;
· Irritability and anxiety;
· Loss of appetite;
· Trouble keeping up a sense of humour. Feeling joyless.

Talk to your midwife or doctor if you suspect you might have postnatal depression.
They may suggest counselling, psychotherapy, support groups, antidepressants or hormone treatment.

If you feel something is not right it is important that you seek help, not just for yourself but for your baby. The first few months are a critical time for the development of your child, and it is important for you to be attentive to their physical and emotional needs.
Support from your partner can be a great help although they too can be affected by your depression, which is something to take into consideration.

N.B
A more extreme post childbirth condition exists called puerperal psychosis although this only affects about one in a thousand women. PP has symptoms including mood swings, depression, delusions, strange behaviour and paranoid hallucinations. The recovery rate for PP is quite good although it could return after another baby.

 

A postnatal illness support website
http://www.pni.org.uk/