Baby blues, depression and beyond
While you expect to be brimming with joy over your precious newborn, you find yourself sniffling over
Sesame Street or sobbing over a sink full of dishes. And you're not alone.
The baby blues
Postpartum depression
Virtua is here to help
The baby blues
As many as 80% of postpartum women experience the "baby blues." It usually begins one to two days after giving birth and lasts for about two weeks.
"Most women experience unexplained crying spells, fatigue, mood swings and irritability," states Ellen Brooks, MD, Virtua psychiatrist. "Although the exact cause of postpartum blues is unknown, it's often attributed to the hormonal changes in a woman's body right after childbirth, the overwhelming responsibilities of caring for a new baby, and the adjustment of becoming a mother."
For most women, getting extra rest and accepting support from your spouse or family helps alleviate the problem. Often, women with the baby blues start to feel better within a few weeks.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a more serious condition that affects about 10 to 15% of new mothers and it can start any time within a year after delivery.
"Women with postpartum depression often have feelings of guilt, anxiety, worthlessness or hopelessness," states Tina Sherman, RNC, CCE, coordinator of the Dorothy Cox Fisher Parenting Center at Virtua Health. "They may also experience problems sleeping, loss of normal interests, or lack of interest in caring for their babies."
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your healthcare provider. There are several treatment methods available ranging from support groups and professional counseling to medications.
Dr. Brooks notes: "Don't let your fear of not being a good mother stop you from getting help. Postpartum depression is an illness, not a weakness."
Virtua is here to help...
"Too often, women at risk for developing postpartum depression go unnoticed until it's too late. Our goal is to recognize women at risk and offer them support and early treatment referral based on their needs," states Adrienne Kirby, PhD, Virtua's vice president of women's and children's services. Virtua has expanded its postpartum services to include:
- An aggressive screening program administered before and after the birth of a baby to help identify women at risk for postpartum depression
- Education about postpartum depression in all prenatal classes
- Postpartum adjustment support group twice a month
- Postpartum adjustment hotline for support and referral available around the clock
- Treatment options ranging from support groups and professional counseling to medications