Learning about Postpartum Depression
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, postpartum depression affects about 13 percent of pregnant women and new mothers (www.womenshealth.gov). Postpartum depression statistics indicate that this ailment is fairly common among the population, and yet for many women who have never experienced it, the statistics don't relieve postpartum depression. However, if you're experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety, knowing you're not "the only one who's going through this" can help you get started on the road to recovery. It's important to know that you have more than just "the blues," and that you may need help in order to feel better.
"Why Can't I Be Happy?"
Many women feel guilt over postpartum depression. Statistics aside, they just can't imagine why they shouldn't be joyful following the birth of the baby. However, many factors can trigger postpartum depression and its milder cousin, "the baby blues." Hormonal changes, fatigue, worries over being a good mother, money worries, and other factors can increase chances of postpartum depression. Also, if you have a history of depression in your family, you are statistically at greater risk of postpartum depression. If you have persistent feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping (even when the baby isn't keeping you awake), restlessness, loss of appetite, moodiness or mood swings, disinterest in the baby, or loss of interest in things or activities that you formerly found enjoyable, you should talk to your doctor. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, you should contact someone immediately.
Prevention and Help for Postpartum Depression
Especially if you have a family history of depression, you should advise your doctor as early as possible in your pregnancy. With close monitoring, mild depression can often be treated with support groups, counseling, or other therapies. This can help head off more serious symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medication for your depression, or you may begin counseling (usually, "talk therapy"). Both of these methods, sometimes in combination, have been proven statistically effective with postpartum depression and its relief. If you are breastfeeding, the medicines for depression will enter the breast milk, but many medications for depression can be taken with very little fear of side effects for the baby. You should thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks of any drugs with your doctor.
There Is Hope
Statistics indicate that postpartum depression usually goes away within a few months with appropriate treatment. Remember, though, that it is important to continue your treatment even after you feel better, according to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com). Halting treatment too early can lead to a relapse.
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Postpartum Depression For Dummies $18.99 It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover. Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help you begin the process of determining what’s going on with you and give you a better idea of where you fall so that you can get yourself into proper treatment right away. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available—including conventional Western medicine, psychological therapy, alternative medical treatments, and self-care measures. Postpartum Depression For Dummies reveals: Why some doctors may be hush-hush about PPD How to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPD The difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis The role and importance of a therapist The benefits of medication for depression Alternative treatments with  a successful track record How to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatment Ways you can help foster recovery The nutrition you need to care for yourself properly How to help your partner help you Postpartum Depression For Dummies also provides the additional resources you need—web sites, organizations, and further reading—to help avoid the unnecessary suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated PPD and survive and thrive as a new mom. |
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The Smiling Mask: Truths About Postpartum Depression and Parenthood $24.33 No Synopsis Available |
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Postpartum Depression (Hardcover) $74.1 "Postpartum Depression: Each volume in this timely series provides essential information on a disease or disorder (symptoms, causes, treatments, cures, etc.); presents the controversies surrounding causes, alternative treatments, and other issues"-- |
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