Postpartum depression can bring on a wide range of emotions fill the expectant mother, and those emotions are often strong. The new mother also experiences a wide range of emotion after the birth of the baby.
Fear, happiness, anxiety, exuberance are some of the expected emotions that come with the birth of a new child. However, sometimes an unexpected emotion rears up to visit.
The Baby Blues is common in many women, but in a small percentage – approximately ten percent- of new mothers a more serious form of depression occurs. This is called postpartum depression. Rarely, but worth mentioning, is an extreme version of postpartum depression called postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues
Symptoms of Baby Blues
- sadness
- tearfulness
- irritability
- insomnia
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- may include any or all of the signs of baby blues, with more intensity
- loss of appetite
- overwhelming fatigue
- loss of libido
- severe mood swings
- trouble bonding with the new baby
- withdrawal
- thoughts of suicide or causing harm to the baby
If you recognize yourself in any of the signs of postpartum depression seek professional help at once. Don’t wait until something bad happens. Talk to your spouse, a parent, a clergyman. Call your physician and ask for help. Don’t let postpartum depression ruin your special time with your delightful newborn baby.
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