Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health

The Baby Blues
The majority of parents experience some form of the “baby blues.” This is a normal period of feeling sad, weepy, or moody triggered by hormonal changes when bringing a baby into the family. The “baby blues” typically subside within a few weeks.

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Postpartum Depression

For some parents, these mood swings are more intense, persistent, and lasting longer. We call this postpartum depression (PPD). PPD generally occurs within the first year of bringing a new child into the home but can occur anywhere from one to five years after the birth of a child. Symptoms of PPD can interfere with a parent’s ability to care for their child. Early therapeutic intervention can help decrease the impact of PPD on families. 
 

Symptoms of PPD include: 

• feelings of guilt

• shame or hopelessness

• lack of interest in baby

• feelings of anger/irritability

• loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• crying and sadness

• appetite and sleep disturbances

• possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

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10% of new fathers develop PPD within the first year after the birth of their child.

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Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) is often under-reported and underdiagnosed, as even health practitioners can fail to recognize when normal "new mom worry" has become ongoing anxiety. PPA can look like:

 

• being very rigid about feeding/sleep schedules

• constantly feeling overwhelmed/like you can't cope

• feeling preoccupied & over-researching

• trouble sleeping

• scary and intrusive thoughts

• uncharacteristic rage

• a constant feeling of worry

• feeling like everything needs to be done "right"

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Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or something just doesn't feel right, request an appointment with one of our highly qualified providers here.