PostPartum Depression

Feeling Down After Having a Baby?

Having a baby is a whirlwind of emotions! Joy, excitement, maybe a little fear... but also sadness? It's normal to feel down sometimes after giving birth. Most moms experience the "baby blues" in the first 2 to 3 days after delivery. This can mean mood swings, crying spells, worry, and trouble sleeping. The baby blues usually go away within a week or two.
But what if those feelings last longer and are stronger? That could be a sign of postpartum depression.
Here's the important thing: postpartum depression is not your fault. It's a real medical condition, not a weakness. And the good news? There's help available! With treatment, you can feel better and enjoy bonding with your new baby.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe. Baby blues symptoms : which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Crying
• Reduced concentration
• Appetite problems
• Trouble sleeping

Postpartum depression symptoms

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the symptoms are more intense and last longer. These may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth. But they may begin earlier — during pregnancy — or later — up to a year after birth.
Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Crying too much
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep, called insomnia, or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
• Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you're not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

When to see a doctor

If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your primary health care provider or your obstetrician or gynecologist and schedule an appointment.

We understand the challenges new moms face, and our dedicated team is here to support you.
Don't hesitate to call and schedule an appointment.

Helping a friend or loved one

People with depression may not recognize or admit that they're depressed. They may not be aware of signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression, help them seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait and hope for improvement.

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, please reach out to us at MarHiwot Maternal and Specialty Center for support and guidance.

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