No doubt, the first year with a baby is challenging, often exhausting, and still incredibly beautiful. However, the first year with your child does not look the same for all mothers. When exhaustion and despair take over and it becomes difficult to establish a bond with your newborn, postpartum depression may be the cause. In this article, you will learn what postpartum depression is, how to recognize it, and how it is treated. Recognizing the symptoms is important not only for expectant mothers themselves, but also for those around them. So, if your partner, your friend, or someone else in your circle is about to become a mother, you can help 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 a drop in hormones. The Baby Blues are completely normal and affect almost every mother—though to varying degrees. They usually occur three to four days after birth, often coinciding with 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 the baby blues, it lasts longer, and the symptoms may be more severe and require treatment. Despite its name, postnatal depression does not necessarily occur immediately after birth; it can develop up to a year later, usually within the first three months. Up to 15 percent of all mothers experience postpartum depression.

Regarding how postpartum depression differs from the 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

• Aggression

• Headaches

• Stomach pain

• Dizziness

• Sleep disorders

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

Additionally, difficulties or uncertainties in caring for your 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 assessed 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 contribute to 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. Daily life is often severely affected; mothers may find it difficult to fulfill their role, and over time, the depression can also negatively impact their relationship with their child.

Causes

The triggers of postpartum depression are not fully understood. The theory that hormonal changes after childbirth are the cause has not been proven and is considered controversial, unlike with the baby blues. However, certain risk factors 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 a previous birth

• Postpartum depression in the family

Even if these factors increase the likelihood of postpartum depression, it can also occur without any known 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, fueled by this perceived taboo, can further intensify depressive symptoms. Many moms also try to push through, regardless of how they feel, instead of seeking the help and support they urgently need. As a result, postpartum depression sometimes goes undetected.

Treatment

Postpartum depression is not a reason to feel ashamed, but a serious condition that needs treatment. During the postpartum period, your midwife is there to support and care for you—she is specially trained to watch for relevant symptoms and recognize early signs of postpartum depression. If in doubt, she will refer you to the appropriate medical professionals. Even if you suspect postpartum depression later on, your midwife or your general practitioner is a good first point of contact. Your doctor or a psychotherapist can determine whether you are experiencing postpartum depression. At first, they will have a detailed conversation with you about possible symptoms and, as mentioned earlier, may carry out additional examinations to rule out other conditions. To diagnose postpartum depression, a questionnaire is often used that was developed specifically for this purpose. The so-called Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) includes various statements to assess your own well-being and help with classification.

If postpartum depression is diagnosed, the goal is to find a suitable therapy to begin. This may include outpatient talk therapy or body therapy, but in some cases it may also involve inpatient admission (on a mother-child ward) or (breastfeeding-compatible) medication. The right form and duration of treatment are very individual and will be decided jointly by you and your doctor or therapist.

In addition to medical therapy, your environment and your partner also play an important role in recovering from postpartum depression. Understanding and relief help affected mothers—this can include caring for the baby, looking after older siblings, or helping around the house. In mild cases of postpartum depression, support from those around you can sometimes make a big difference in helping you recover. The exchange with other affected people also helps many mothers break the perceived stigma and reduce 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 becomes possible to overcome the crisis.

Prevention

Postpartum depression can never be completely ruled out after birth—however, there are some things you can do to help 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 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 in finding your way out of an emotional crisis.

Postpartum depression in partner

Did you know that not only new mothers, but also their partners, can be affected by postpartum depression? The major transition to parenthood and feeling overwhelmed in a new role can temporarily trigger depression. However, because it occurs much less frequently, a partner’s condition is often harder to recognize.

Every mother can develop postpartum depression. If you feel affected, it is important to share your feelings early—not only with those around you, but also with medical professionals. Do not let 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."