Postpartum is a sensitive time technically, it spans for the first six weeks after you give birth, but the postpartum healing period can span even longer than that. While having a baby is often a joyous experience, joy and happiness aren’t the only feelings that people experience when they first give birth, and it’s important to talk about the full range of emotions that are present for many new mothers and parents during the postpartum period. Postpartum depression or PPD is a much more common experience than you might think. Many new moms experience some form of postpartum depression, and it’s important to talk about.
Whether you’re a new mom who happens to be experiencing PPD symptoms or you’re an expecting mother looking into all of the possibilities, this conversation is one worth having. Postpartum feelings are not always rainbows and butterflies. Having a baby isn’t easy, and being a mother can bring on a range of changes to the mind and body. If you’re starting to dig deeper, here are some things you should know about PPD.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression sometimes mistaken for the baby blues at first is defined as depression brought on by childbirth or new motherhood. The symptoms can last weeks, months or even years, and can impact the mood, physical state and even trigger other mental health challenges you already dealt with prior to parenthood. Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and it happens to many women. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Depressive mood or sadness
- Mood swings
- Difficulty bonding with your new child
- Irritability
- Withdrawing from your partner or family
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Extreme worrying
- Thoughts of harm to yourself or others
While not everyone with PPD will experience all of these symptoms, these are some of the most prominent to look out for. Specifically, if these symptoms persist or become extreme, additional care and support may be necessary.
Baby Blues
While postpartum depression is a common and valid experience that should be talked about more, there’s another common experience that can sometimes be mistaken for PPD. The baby blues is a common experience that many women go through shortly after giving birth, as the rush of hormones can sometimes be a shock to the mind and body. Among the rush of emotions, many women experience mood swings and depression a few days after giving birth, but they tend to subside after about a week. If the symptoms start to go away and don’t come back, it’s probably baby blues, not PPD.
Misconceptions
Like many feminine health concerns and mental health struggles, there is still a stigma around postpartum depression, which can lead to unfair misconceptions. These misconceptions can sometimes cause people not to recognize postpartum depression or seek out the help they need. PPD does not mean that you regret having a baby, that you don’t love them or that you’re a bad mother. It simply means that your body chemistry needs a bit of help in getting you where you want to be on your motherhood journey.
Your First Steps
If you have postpartum depression, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. In fact, you have so many options and lots of places to turn to for support. Finding ways to bond with your baby, finding a mental health professional you trust and ensuring that you care for yourself should be among the first priorities. Specifically, if your symptoms seem to be getting worse, you have thoughts of harming yourself or others or you have trouble caring for yourself and your child, you should reach out for help right away.
Bonding With Baby
PPD can often interrupt the bonding process between mother and baby. If you happen to be struggling with bonding, being intentional about your practical and emotional care can make a huge difference. Breastfeeding, responding quickly when they cry or smile, engaging in skin to skin contact and other forms of connection can help you get in sync with your baby so you feel connected.
Reach Out for Support
Like with any mental health challenge, finding professional support and relying on the support system around you can make a world of difference in your healing and functioning. Talk with your partner, friends and family. Ask for the help you need and find a trusted therapist if you can find one who specializes in postpartum mental health, even better.
Practice Self Care
This one can be hard for new moms in general, but especially for those struggling in their mental health. Even doing small things like making sure you shower every day, eating full and healthy meals and practicing mindfulness can help you feel more like yourself again. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference.
You’re Not Alone With PPD
If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, it’s important to know that you aren’t alone. There are so many mothers who experience PPD, and talking openly about your needs and experiences can help you find the support you need.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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