Postpartum depression is a concoction of emotional, behavioral, and physical changes in mothers after having a baby. Having baby blues after childbirth is very common. It leads to mood swings, crying, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. Get guidance on postnatal care from your obstetrician.
Basically, it starts two to three days after the delivery of a baby. And it can stay two to several weeks. Some women develop a severe form of depression. While on the other side, peripartum depression refers to depression that begins during pregnancy that lasts till childbirth. Receive absolute help from the top obstetrician in Siliguri.
Knowing The Signs of Postpartum Depression
Signs of postpartum depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. Here are some:
Signs of Baby Blues
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Crying
Signs of Postpartum Depression
- Extreme mood swings
- Significant changes in appetite
- Inability to sleep or concentrate
- Extreme irritability
- Depressed mood
- Loss of motivation
- Lack of energy
- Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
- Wanting to sleep all day long
- Feeling on edge
- Panic attacks
- Restlessness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Feeling like you don’t want your baby
- Thoughts of hurting the baby
- Lack of interest in activities/hobbies or what you love to do
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis involve feeling lost, feeling upset, delusions, heightened energy, anxiety, confusion, depression, constant mood swings, agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, severe insomnia, attempts to hurt the baby, etc.
Such signs require medical attention. With medical attention, you fight postpartum depression. Self-isolation accelerates the problems. Set realistic expectations and ask for help. Do not restrict yourself from getting expert support.
Medical assistance doesn’t revolve around medications only. Connecting with new moms, talk therapy, refraining from substance abuse, practicing meditation/yoga, eating wholesome foods, getting electroconvulsive therapy, and taking prescribed medication can give promising recovery.
What May Lead to Postpartum Depression
Factors that increase the risk of postpartum depression are:
- A history of depression
- Pre-existing bipolar disorder
- A first-degree relative with mood disorder/depression
- Postpartum depression in the previous pregnancy
- Multiple births
- Pregnancy complication
- Recent exposure to stressful events
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Unplanned pregnancy
It can occur due to genetic factors, a prominent drop in estrogen and progesterone level after childbirth, or emotional problems (thinking about the future, body, or job). Reach out to the best obstetrician in Siliguri and get extensive guidance on postnatal care.
Do not stick to self blame-game. Just inform your obstetrician or healthcare provider about your feelings. Your doctor will take the necessary steps in this regard. Cognitive behavioral therapy works great at healing if only received under medical supervision. Avail of expert advice at your convenience.