Peripartum (Post Partum)

The birth of a baby usually brings excitement, bliss, and joy. But that joy is tempered for the nearly 60 per cent of new mothers who also suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). The symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability, confusion, and crying spells, as well as problems with sleep and appetite. PPD can be mild or severe. When symptoms last just 24 to 72 hours, they can be considered a temporary case of “baby blues,” but when they endure as long as two weeks, new mothers and their partners should take it seriously and seek professional help.

Many women who appeared to function with impressive calm and efficiency prior to the birth of their child may find themselves baffled and disoriented by the onset of postpartum depression. Some research suggests that PPD sufferers were always more susceptible to anxiety than others, and the stressor of their baby’s arrival activated their innate susceptibility. But for new mothers, social isolation and a weak support network have also been shown to increase the likelihood of developing anxiety after childbirth.

What are the common symptoms of postpartum depression?

Common postpartum symptoms include disorienting feelings of anxiety, irritability, lethargy, or confusion that often lead to frequent crying, sleep and appetite concerns, and in extreme cases, thoughts of self-harm and infanticide. In about half of all cases, symptoms actually begin during pregnancy; in many others, they may not manifest for weeks after delivery, and some experts suggest that doctors should consider postpartum depression as a diagnosis anywhere from six months before birth until a year after.

What are the symptoms of more extreme cases of postpartum depression?

In extreme cases of postpartum depression, sufferers may experience drastic symptoms including hopelessness, panic, shame, guilt, suicidal thoughts, and even thoughts of infanticide enduring for weeks or months. Severe cases of PPD interfere with a new mother’s ability to bond with her baby.

Given the exhaustion of becoming a parent and the demands of the role, it’s not uncommon for new mothers and fathers sometimes to cry. But new mothers suffering from postpartum depression may cry all day, and feel unable to function. They may want to sleep all the time – or, in some cases, find it impossible to sleep at all.

It is important for either or both parents to seek help with postpartum depression. AMindset has specialist counsellors to assist all new parents. Monisha Dadlani was a midwife for over 30-years and can help you.