Post partum depression

Editor's note: This article mentions suicide and suicidal ideation My first child was born in 2018 via an emergency C-section. I was left sore and emotionally wrecked because I wasn't prepared for him to come so early or to have major surgery. When a nurse walked into my room and saw me crying, she said it was just a sign that my milk was coming in, we were on a good track. But the crying didn't stop after it did. And it wouldn't for several weeks after. I felt lonely, isolated, and completely incapable of taking care of my son. One day, shortly after coming home, I had the darkest I had never experienced depression or anxiety before Up until that point, I had never been One day I texted my husband a photo of me holding our son while crying and said, "I don't think I can do this anymore." He came running homefrom work, gave me a hug, and started to plan what I needed to feel better. The first thing we agreed on was that I was going to stop breastfeeding and start pumping instead, so he could help with the middle-of-the-night feeds and also give me a little bit more freedom. The next thing we decided to do was to hire a night doula so I could get at least one full night of sleep because we both agreed that I was barely functioning. Those two changes were so impactful. The morning after the night doula left, I looked at him and said, "I can do this." The second time around, I planned my postpartum support in advance The second time I got pregnant, We hired a doula, who helpe...

Postpartum or perinatal depression is a form of depression that occurs following the birth of a baby. It’s a relatively common but serious medical condition, affecting up to Postpartum depression can make you feel empty, emotionless, and sad. It can cause changes in mood, exhaustion, and a general sense of hopelessness for a long time after birth. People should not take postpartum depression lightly. It’s a serious disorder, but various treatment programs can help people overcome it. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression, you need to know that you’re not alone and that you can recover. Many people feel sad, empty, moody, or fatigued within a few days of giving birth — a condition nicknamed “ Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from person to person and even from day to day. While symptoms can develop anytime after childbirth, they often start within Postpartum depression can make you feel disconnected from your baby. You may feel as though you don’t love your baby. These feelings are not your fault. • feeling sad or crying a lot • feeling overwhelmed • having thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself • not having an interest in the baby • having no energy or motivation • feeling worthless, guilty, or like you are a bad parent • sleeping too much or • change in • • having But postpartum depression doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, and it’s not your fault. If you notice symptoms, you need to tell a healthcare professional and seek treatment to feel better. If yo...

June 9, 2023 in Vaginal birth supports rewarding interactions—'bio-behavioral synchrony'—which are key to infant-parent bonding and have a lasting impact on children’s physical and mental health. Vaginal birth supports rewarding interactions—'bio-behavioral synchrony'—which are key to infant-parent bonding and have a lasting impact on children’s physical and mental health. April 28, 2023 in Bringing awareness to maternal mental health this May is more important than ever. Maternal mortality rates are rising and mental health is the leading cause of death. Bringing awareness to maternal mental health this May is more important than ever. Maternal mortality rates are rising and mental health is the leading cause of death. April 5, 2023 in The physical, emotional, and behavioral transformations of mother and infant triggered by vaginal birth support bonding and healthy child development. The physical, emotional, and behavioral transformations of mother and infant triggered by vaginal birth support bonding and healthy child development. April 3, 2023 in Unlike moms who may go through a more visible journey to parenthood, dads face a less visible new-identity-forming process that balances traditional masculinity and modern manhood. Unlike moms who may go through a more visible journey to parenthood, dads face a less visible new-identity-forming process that balances traditional masculinity and modern manhood. February 21, 2023 in With sex after pregnancy, there may ...

Common Signs of Postpartum Depression Educating yourself about the different signs is vital if you suspect that you or someone you love suffers from postpartum depression (PPD). By understanding PPD, you can potentially identify patterns that can help physicians and mental health professionals diagnose the severity and type of PPD with which the new mother is suffering. It’s important to remember that only physicians and mental health professionals can accurately diagnose postpartum depression and its many forms. That’s because many signs and symptoms of postpartum depression are broad and can mimic symptoms of other conditions. While postnatal depression can affect new moms differently, there are some clear signs. If you suspect someone is suffering from postpartum depression, use the below guide to look for specific signs of postpartum depression. Changes in Personality and Behaviors The first thing to identify when looking for signs of postpartum depression is any noticeable and concerning change in personality, mood, and behavior. These may come and go, or they may be chronic and long-lasting. If you notice several of the signs and patterns listed below in your loved one, this may indicate postpartum depression. Emotional Signs of Postpartum Depression Look for the following emotional signs of postpartum depression in your loved one: • Excessive crying for long periods for seemingly no reason • Drastic mood swings that go from calm to irritable frequently • Easily ange...

Imagine you’ve been offered a new, important job. On your first day, though, you find out the hours are so long that you’ll never get enough For some women, this is what it feels like to have a brand new If you’re one of them, you may not even know you’re depressed. You might think you feel the way all new moms do. Being If you have some of the early warning signs of 8 Things to Watch For • Your “ baby blues” don’t get better. It’s common to have a dip in mood during your • Sadness or guilt consume your thoughts. Feeling upset once in a while is normal. But if you have frequent crying spells, or you often feel unhappy about • You lose interest in things you enjoy. Are you laughing at your favorite romantic comedy? Are you interested in being affectionate with your partner? What about your favorite foods? Are you enjoying them? Are you eating at all? If you said no, talk to your doctor about these changes in mood and habits. • You have trouble making decisions. Maybe you’re • You worry you won’t be a good mom. Who hasn’t worried about this? It’s common among moms whose babies are sick or premature, or were born with special needs. But if this is not your situation, then having constant doubts about yourself as a mother could mean something else. • Your sleep patterns have changed. Of course, they have. You have a baby! But if you can’t even rest when your child is napping, or you’re sleeping all the time, that’s likely something other than a new • You’ve had big, stressful ...