The birth of a baby can trigger all types of different emotions. When a woman gives birth, she has many different hormones that are running through her body and it can knock her completely out of balance, causing what many people call the "baby blues." What many people don't understand is that the baby blues is different than postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is something much more serious than a simple case of the baby clues.
Some women believe that postpartum depression simply comes along with childbirth and is normal. This is absolutely not the case at all. Postpartum depression is not normal and if you recognize the signs of it in you or someone that you know, medical help is warranted.
The main difference between baby blues and postpartum depression is that the baby blues will only last for a few days or up to a couple weeks and usually happens right after giving birth. Postpartum depression can start out as the baby blues but it lasts much longer and has much more intense symptoms. If postpartum depression is left untreated it can result in the inability of a woman to care for her new infant.
Here are the common signs of postpartum depression:
- Loss of appetite
- Severe mood swings
- Insomnia
- Extreme fatigue
- Trouble bonding with your newborn
- Withdrawal from others especially your family
- No sense of joy in your life
- Extreme irritability
- Bouts of crying brought on by no cause
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Extreme worry about your baby
There is also a rare condition called postpartum psychosis, which is very dangerous and needs immediate professional help. The symptoms of psychosis are much more extreme and may involve hallucinations, disorientation, paranoia, panic attacks, and actual attempts to hurt you or your baby. If you ever believe that you are developing postpartum psychosis, you need to seek immediate medical help. Don't wait and think that you will get over it as this condition can easily become a life-threatening one.
There are some women who may be more prone to getting postpartum depression than others. Women who have had bouts of depression tend to be more likely to get postpartum depression. Also, once you have had depression after a pregnancy, you are more likely to get it in subsequent pregnancies, although this is not always the case. Other factors that may increase the odds of postpartum depression are if the woman is having marital problems, if the pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted, and if the woman doesn't have a good support system and is completely overwhelmed.
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Some women are very reluctant to seek medical advice if they are suffering from depression after giving birth. All women should know that postpartum depression is not something to be ashamed about. It's important that you tell your doctor if your signs of depression don't go away after a couple of weeks of giving birth or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.
It is important for all new moms to pay attention to themselves after giving birth. You need to be there for your baby but you also need to take care of yourself so you can be there for your baby. By recognizing the signs of
postpartum depression, you can get help and treatment as soon as possible. The earlier you seek help, the faster you can recovery and go back to enjoying your life with your new baby and family.
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