shared decision making: after labor & delivery

Baby blues or post-partum depression (PPD)?

What Are the “Baby Blues”?

During the first few weeks after giving birth you may experience many emotional ups and downs. One moment, you might be filled with relief and happiness that your baby is finally born, and the next you might feel sad or overwhelmed by the new responsibility.


For a week or two after giving birth, many moms experience what is sometimes called the baby blues. This is a short period of time characterized by mood swings, trouble sleeping, crying and irritability.

 
 

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

If these feelings last longer than a few weeks or if your symptoms are more severe, you may have Postpartum Depression, also known as PPD.

PPD is the most common medical complication of childbirth. It can happen to anyone and affects approximately 10-20% of women giving birth.

 

Symptoms of PPD

The symptoms of PPD are different for every woman. If you have any of the following symptoms, talk with your doctor right away.

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, empty or overwhelmed

  • Feeling moody, irritable or restless

  • Crying more often than usual

  • Overly anxious

  • Oversleeping or unable to sleep when baby is sleeping

  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions

  • Frequent feelings of anger or rage

  • No interest in normally enjoyable activities

  • Eating too little or too much

  • Avoiding friends and family

  • Having trouble bonding with your baby

  • Always doubting your ability to care for your baby

  • Thinking about harming yourself or your baby

 

Risk Factors for PPD

Any woman can develop PPD but some may be at greater risk. Here are some of the situations that may increase a woman’s risk for PPD:

  • History of depression or other mood disorder

  • Conflict or lack of support at home

  • Stressful life events

  • Financial difficulty

  • PPD with a prior pregnancy

 

Treatment

PPD is a medical condition that can be treated. Most women can be successfully treated with medication or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Participating in a support group can also be very helpful.

PPD can get worse and affect your baby if it goes untreated so it is extremely important to seek help. Your care team is here for you so if you feel at all not yourself, talk to them right away.