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Childbirth is expected to be a happy, joyful event in a woman’s life. The planning, the anticipation, the shopping, the decorating of the baby’s room - all are supposed to culminate in a successful delivery and a healthy baby. What could be more devastating to a young mother than a depression so powerful that she cannot enjoy or properly care for her baby? Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of women and is unique from depression that can affect women at other times. Mom is exhausted and physically depleted due to loss of blood. Her hormones are in flux. She may be recovering from a Caesarean section and is in pain, or she may have had other complications during her delivery. Besides her physical challenges, mom has to adjust to a new person in the house and new responsibilities. If this is a first baby, the couple are adjusting their relationship as well. Postpartum depression is different from postpartum blues, also called “baby blues,” which are extremely common and normal. About 80% of all mothers will have some symptoms - crying, irritability, anxiety, being very emotional about simple things, changes in sleep patterns and difficulty concentrating. The blues usually start from a few hours to several days after delivery and are short-lived. Symptoms improve with increased rest, good nutrition, exercise and extra support from her husband and family. I suggest that new mothers take their vitamins, eat small, healthy meals every three hours and avoid too much sugar, alcohol and caffeine. It is important that new mothers have time to themselves and be encouraged to go for a walk, take a drive and to talk to friends and family. It can be difficult to tell the difference between simple postpartum blues and depression. If a new mother is crying frequently, cannot sleep even when the baby is sleeping (or, conversely, is sleeping all the time), is not hungry, is having negative thoughts and is extremely anxious over the baby (or is not interested in the baby), she should see her doctor immediately. It is likely she is having symptoms of a more serious depression that needs treatment. Her doctor should ask about her symptoms and ensure that she does not have thoughts about hurting herself or her baby. She should be told that it is not her fault she is feeling this way, and the family should be informed and educated. Mothers feel extremely guilty about being depressed when they have delivered successfully and have a beautiful baby. Depression and inability to adequately care for the baby does not mean that this mother does not love her baby. She is not lazy, weak or a poor parent. Often, mothers who are depressed do not know how to ask for help and push their partners away. Dads are bewildered about what has happened to their wife and are confused about how to make things better. It is important to be gently supportive but firm about getting her treatment.There are various forms of treatment, including drug therapy and personal and group psychotherapy. The woman’s physician will prescribe the appropriate therapy. Women who have a history of depression or other psychiatric problem, have a family history of depression, or have marital difficulties are at increased risk of developing postpartum depression. Mothers who have a high number of life stressors such as a recent death in the family, low levels of social support and child-care difficulties also have a higher risk, as do teenagers. Depression is frightening, dangerous and can happen to anyone. It cannot be ignored. When serious depression is not treated, 15% will commit suicide. It is also known that babies are likely to have developmental, physical and emotional delays when the mother is not treated for her depression. But while this problem is extremely stressful to the family, it is very treatable, with more than 90% of affected women recovering. Mom should be encouraged that she will get better with proper support and treatment and that she is not alone. Postpartum depression does not have to be so depressing after all. Dr. Julianne S. Toohey is an OB/Gyn with UCI Medical Center, Orange County’s only university hospital, which has been named one of the nation’s best hospitals for gynecology by U.S. News & World Report. Information: www.ucihealth.com or call the Women’s Health Care Center at 714.456.2911. |
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