Postpartum depression

No doubt, the first year with a baby is challenging, often exhausting, and still incredibly beautiful. However, the first time with your child does not look the same for all mothers. When exhaustion and despair take over and it becomes difficult to establish any bond with the newborn, postpartum depression may be the cause. In this article, you will learn what postpartum depression actually is, how to recognize it, and how to treat it. Being able to recognize the symptoms is important not only for expectant mothers themselves but also for their environment. So, if your partner, your friend, or someone else in your circle is about to become a mother, you can help her by paying special attention to her well-being after the birth and supporting her during this exciting time.

What distinguishes postpartum depression from the baby blues?

The Baby Blues refer to the mood dip after birth, triggered by the hormone drop. The Baby Blues are completely normal and affect almost every mother – to varying degrees. It usually occurs three to four days after birth, often coinciding with the initial breast swelling when the milk begins to flow. Typically, the mood dip resolves on its own within a few days. You can read which symptoms indicate the Baby Blues and which remedies can help you in the article "".

One Postpartum depression (postpartum depression) is a serious depressive disorder. Compared to baby blues, it lasts longer and the symptoms may be more severe, requiring treatment. Postnatal depression does not necessarily occur immediately after birth, despite its name, but can occur up to a year later, usually within the first three months. Up to 15 percent of all mothers suffer from postpartum depression.

Regarding how postpartum depression differs from baby blues, midwife Sissi explains:

Symptoms

The symptoms that can occur with postpartum depression do not differ from those of depression in other phases of life. These include psychological as well as physical Symptoms, for example:

• Constant fatigue

• Exhaustion

• Apathy

• Aggressions

• Headache

• Stomach pain

• Dizziness

• Sleep disorders

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

Additionally, difficulties or uncertainties in dealing with the baby may occur. However, many of these complaints can also occur independently of depression during the first year with a baby, so they should initially be evaluated cautiously during a medical examination. Furthermore, if postpartum depression is suspected, thyroid function tests are often performed, as similar symptoms can also be caused by hormonal changes. Nutrient deficiencies or excessive blood loss during childbirth can also trigger postpartum depression and should be medically clarified. If this is the cause, your doctor will likely recommend supplementation with iron, vitamin D, and omega-3.

The symptoms of postpartum depression usually persist for several months if left untreated, but they can also last longer or recur. The daily life of mothers is often severely affected by the depression; they may find it difficult to fulfill their role as a mother, and over time, it can also negatively impact their relationship with their child.

Causes

The triggers of postpartum depression are not fully understood. The suspicion that hormonal changes after childbirth could be the cause has not been proven and is considered controversial, unlike with baby blues. However, there are risk factors that have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing postpartum depression:

• Depression or anxiety disorders before pregnancy

• Lack of support and stress

• Traumatic pregnancy and childbirth

• Stressful home situation

• Abuse of alcohol, medications, or drugs

• Postpartum depression after previous birth

• Postpartum depression in the family

Even if the likelihood of postpartum depression increases due to these factors, it can also occur without any potential risk factors. Many affected mothers find it difficult to talk about their depression, as the ideal image of the young, blissfully happy mother is still culturally ingrained. Guilt and feelings of failure, triggered by the perceived taboo, can further intensify the depressive symptoms. Many moms also try to endure regardless of how they feel, instead of seeking the help and support they desperately need now. As a result, postpartum depression sometimes remains undetected.

Treatment

Postpartum depression is not a reason to feel ashamed, but a serious condition that must be treated. During the postpartum period, your midwife is there to support and care for you – she is specially trained to watch for relevant symptoms and to recognize early signs of postpartum depression. In case of doubt, she will refer you to the appropriate medical professionals. Even if you suspect postpartum depression at a later time, your midwife or your general practitioner is a good first point of contact. Your doctor or a psychotherapist can determine whether you are actually suffering from postpartum depression. Initially, she/he will conduct a detailed conversation about possible symptoms and, as mentioned earlier, may perform additional examinations to rule out other conditions. Often, a diagnosis will be made to Diagnose a questionnaire used, specifically developed for this purpose. The so-called Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) includes various statements to assess one's own well-being, serving as a classification.

If the diagnosis of postpartum depression has been made, the goal is to find a suitable Therapy to begin. This can be outpatient talk or body therapy, but in some cases also an inpatient admission (on a mother-child ward) or a (breastfeeding-compatible) medication treatment. The right form and duration of treatment for you is very individual and will be decided jointly by you and your doctor or your therapist.

In addition to medical therapy, the environment and the partner also play an important role when it comes to healing postpartum depression. Understanding and Relief help affected mothers – specifically, caring for the baby, looking after older siblings, or household support may be involved. In mild cases of postpartum depression, support from the environment can sometimes make a big difference in helping the mother recover from her postpartum depression. Also, the Exchange helping other affected individuals often assists many mothers in breaking the perceived stigma and reducing possible feelings of guilt.

Even if postpartum depression throws many mothers off track: the prognosis is good. The earlier the illness is recognized and treated, the sooner it is possible to overcome the crisis.

Prevention

It can never be ruled out that postpartum depression occurs after birth – however, there are some things you can do to prevent it:

• Good planning and preparation for your postpartum period

• Support and assistance from your environment and your midwife

• Sufficient rest periods after childbirth

• If you tend to fears and depression: Increased support already during pregnancy and childbirth preparation

LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi believes it is important to raise awareness about the topic, because the illness should not be a reason to hide. In the video, you will find information from Sissi about symptoms, healing, and above all, how important the right support is to find the way out of the emotional crisis.

Postpartum depression in partner

Did you know that not only new mothers but also their partner can be affected by postpartum depression? The significant transition to parenthood and possible overwhelm in the new role can temporarily trigger depression. However, since it occurs much less frequently, a partner's condition is often more difficult to recognize.

Every mother can develop postpartum depression. If you feel affected, it is therefore important to share your feelings not only in a timely manner with your environment but also to involve medical professionals. Do not let possible feelings of guilt guide you – postpartum depression does not make you a bad mother. Sissi's most important message to affected moms: "Mothers try to do their best every day. The feelings associated with postpartum depression are not taboo. It is a disease, you are not doing anything wrong, and you are good mothers."