{"id":12344,"date":"2013-07-05T04:06:47","date_gmt":"2013-07-05T04:06:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.freedomfrommedom.com\/wp3\/?page_id=12344"},"modified":"2019-06-22T04:08:18","modified_gmt":"2019-06-22T04:08:18","slug":"postpartum-disorders-depression","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.freedomfrommedom.com\/wp3\/postpartum-disorders-depression","title":{"rendered":"Postpartum Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting time, but following childbirth, some women may experience postpartum disorders that can adversely affect a woman\u2019s mental health. Mothers commonly experience what is called \u201cthe baby blues,\u201d mood swings that are the result of high hormonal fluctuations that occur during and immediately after childbirth. They may also experience more serious mental health disorders such as postpartum depression, birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder or a severe but rare condition called postpartum psychosis.<\/p>\n

In general, clinical depression occurs in approximately 15 to 25 percent of the population, and women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. Because women are most likely to experience depression during the primary reproductive years (25 to 45), they are especially vulnerable to developing depression during pregnancy and after childbirth. Women who develop these disorders do not need to feel ashamed or alone; treatment and support are available.<\/p>\n

What are the postpartum blues or \u201cbaby blues?\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

Postpartum blues are very common, occurring in up to 80 percent of new mothers. Characterized by mood swings, postpartum blues or \u201cbaby blues\u201d are normal reactions that many mothers experience following childbirth. The onset of postpartum blues usually occurs three to five days after delivery, and should subside as hormone levels begin to stabilize. Symptoms generally do not last for more than a few weeks. If a person continues to experience moods swings or feelings of depression for more than two weeks after childbirth, the problem may be more serious.<\/p>\n

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major form of depression and is less common than postpartum blues. PPD includes all the symptoms of depression but occurs only following childbirth. It can begin any time after delivery and can last up to a year. PPD is estimated to occur in approximately 10 to 20 percent of new mothers.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of PPD?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Symptoms of PPD are the same as those for clinical depression and may include specific fears such as excessive preoccupation with the child\u2019s health or intrusive thoughts of harming the baby. Given the stressful circumstances of caring for a new baby, it is understandable that new mothers may be more tired, irritable and anxious. But when a new mother is experiencing drastic changes in motivation, appetite or mood she should seek the help of a mental health professional. For a clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression to be made, symptoms of PPD generally must be present for more than two weeks following childbirth to distinguish them from postpartum blues.<\/p>\n

What are the factors that contribute to PPD?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The causes of PPD are not quite clear but research suggests that the following factors may contribute to the onset of PPD:<\/p>\n