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More Than Just the Baby Blues

The first months of a baby's life should be a time of joy for new parents. But for many new mothers, these months are marked by sadness, fear, anger or anxiety, called the "baby blues."

About 80 percent of new mothers experience the baby blues, which usually begin three to five days after birth and end about a week later.

It's common to have the baby blues, because of the pain of childbirth, changes in hormone levels and lack of sleep. But sometimes the feelings are extreme and won't go away. These feelings may be signs of postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression occurs in up to 20 percent of new mothers. It causes mood swings, anxiety, guilt and sadness. Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression usually doesn't develop until about a month after birth. Women with a family history of depression are more likely to develop it.

Postpartum psychosis is more severe than postpartum depression. This condition interferes with your thinking. Women with postpartum psychosis may think about harming themselves or their child. If you have these kinds of thoughts, you should get immediate medical help.

How you may feel
The baby blues can make a new mother feel alone, afraid and exhausted. These feelings are common and normal. But women who suffer from postpartum depression are so overwhelmed by these feelings that they can't function normally. They feel hopeless and anxious. They may feel angry at their partner or at their baby. They may begin to wonder whether they are cut out for motherhood.

Does this sound like you?
Talk with your doctor if you experience any of the following warning signs:

• sadness or anxiety that lasts for more than two weeks after giving birth
• strong feelings of depression and anger that appear a month or two after your baby is born
• increased or decreased hunger
• anxiety or panic attacks
• trouble sleeping
• sleeping too much
• fear that you might hurt your baby or yourself
• sadness, guilt or hopelessness
• little interest in your baby or other members of your family
• inability to think clearly, or lack of concentration

Men who are new fathers also may experience postpartum depression. Stepfathers are more likely to experience it, however. Men are at risk for developing it if their partner is depressed; if they are breaking up with the mother of the child; or if they are out of work or under severe stress.

What you should know
It's important to know that although postpartum depression can be serious, it doesn't mean that you're unfit to be a parent. Pain from giving birth and changes in your body may contribute to the depression. The sudden drop in hormones and lack of sleep may also be factors.

Some ways to cope
Postpartum depression is depression. The only difference is that it occurs near childbirth. Like depression, PPD may last only a few weeks or may linger for months. Postpartum depression can be treated. The sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner you can begin to enjoy the new member of your family. But you must get professional help to be diagnosed and treated.

If you have the symptoms of postpartum depression, you can do a lot to improve your situation. In addition to talking with a doctor, it's important to take the following steps:

• Rely on your family and friends. By talking with friends and relatives who have children, you may also find others who have dealt with similar emotions.
• Share your feelings, no matter how frightening they may seem, with your partner.
• Try to create some private time for yourself.
• Get the support of your partner, and ask for help with cooking, cleaning and taking care of the baby. And don't be afraid to speak up when you feel overwhelmed.

Getting help for postpartum depression starts with recognizing the symptoms, and then realizing that you are not alone. If you or a loved one is living with postpartum depression, seek advice from your doctor right away.