- It is estimated that 10 to 28 percent of new mothers are affected
by Postpartum Depression.T
- There are two kinds of Postpartum:
Postpartum blues or “baby
blues,” affects approximately 50 to 80 percent of new mothers; and
Postpartum Depression, affects 10 to 16 percent of women, and 26 percent
in adolescent mothers.
- It begins 3 to 4 days after delivery and
tends to resolve by day 12. If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, the
individual should seek medical attention.
- Babies are less likely
to receive proper care when PPD is not treated.
- Up to 30 percent
of women who have experienced a major depressive episode prior to conception
will develop PPD.
- There are safe and effective treatments
for PPD.
Symptoms
- Inability to sleep
- Feelings of sadness
- Exhaustion
- Uncontrollable crying
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Changes in Appetite
- Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
|
- Feelings of guilt
- May become forgetful
- Worries about your ability to be a
- good mother
- Difficulty completing simple tasks
- Worries about baby’s health
- Poor concentration
|
Causes
- Contributing factors may be physiological, sociological, psychological,
and genetic.
- Hormonal factors play a major role in influencing
central nervous functioning.
- Instability in your marriage or
relationship.
- A history of Depression or Bipolar Disorder
in blood relatives.
- Poor social support.
- Unpleasant life events happening around
the time of the pregnancy or birth.
Treatments
- Additional emotional support or extra help caring for the newborn.
- Psychotherapy,
counseling, and support groups could make a significant difference in the
well-being of the mother, the child, and the family.
- Awareness
of the impact of these disorders is only the beginning and attention
needs to be directed toward prevention.
Other Resources
Medscape Mental Health, http://psychiatry.medscape.com
Postpartum Support International, (631) 422-2255 or www.postpartum.net/
Depression after Delivery, (800) 944-4773 or www.depressionafterdelivery.com
If you or someone you know would like more information on
mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill
of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com
