Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth, affecting 15-20% of women. Understanding the causes and symptoms of postpartum depression is essential so that help can be sought. With the right treatment and support, a woman suffering from PPD can regain her health and begin to enjoy her role as mother.
This past week, we held a very important teleclass on Post-Partum Depression, generously sponsored by Pregancy Awareness Month, and expertly facilitiated by Dr. Jill Campbell. In case you missed it, you can find a link to the recorded teleclass HERE.
During the teleclass, Dr. Jill discussed such topics as the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression, what puts someone at risk for PPD, what the signs and symptoms are of PPD, the different forms of PPD, the treatment options for PPD, and some helpful tools in dealing with PPD.
In the following blurb, Dr. Jill shares some additional thoughts on Postpartum, which were originally posted on the Pregnancy Awareness Month blog:
“Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth affecting 15-20% of women. It is caused by hormonal, physical and emotional changes related to pregnancy and childbirth. In the beginning, postpartum depression can look a lot like “the baby blues.” The baby blues consists of mild depression and mood swings following the birth of your baby. It is estimated that about 80% of new mothers will experience some degree of the baby blues.
After a few weeks, as a woman’s hormones begin to stabilize and she adjusts to having a newborn, the baby blues subside. Symptoms that last longer than a few weeks, or are severe enough that they interfere with managing daily life, are considered to be postpartum depression.
Common symptoms of PPD include: Sadness, anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, isolated, feelings of shame and guilt, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, changes in appetite and sleep, lack of concern for yourself, difficulty bonding with your baby, negative feelings toward your baby, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
There are many factors that can make a woman more vulnerable to postpartum depression. Some of these factors, such as having been diagnosed with a mood disorder in the past, or having a family history of depression, are not in our control. Other risk factors, though, can be greatly reduced by being informed and proactive during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.”
One important point that Dr. Jill discussed during the class is the correlation between nursing difficulties and postpartum. Since we recently held a teleclass on nursing, we’d love to share that information (which you can read about/listen to) HERE.
Here are some of the important resources that were mentioned during the class:
Postpartum Support International
National Postpartum Depression Hotline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Finally, here are some additional useful resources:
Jill’s Pump Station & Nurtury page
Dr. Jill Campbell is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in early child development, parenting and women’s issues. She received her B.S. from Boston University, her M.A. from New York University, and her Psy.D. from Ryokan College. Dr. Campbell is currently the staff psychologist at The Pump Station and Nurtury where their mission is to nurture, support and empower new parents. She provides a variety of services to mothers and their families including private consultations, support groups and classes.
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The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor’s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.
