Postpartum depression is a mixture of raging hormones and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.  While for most women this is short lived, some have prolonged symptoms.

Feelings

Some new moms find the time following Baby’s birth a devastating whirlwind of confusion and raging hormones.  Just getting through the day can be an overwhelming experience.  If you are experiencing postpartum depression, don’t feel you are alone.  Half of all new moms feel depressed after giving birth.  It is a common occurrence.

Often postpartum depression lasts only a few days or weeks as your raging hormones settle back to a normal range.  However, one in every ten new moms has prolonged postpartum depression.  They feel they cannot cope; they are constantly exhausted and they cry or are weepy a lot.  This can make things worse, as the new mom feels guilty for not being happy.

If you are one of these moms, do not feel guilty or ashamed.  Talk about your feelings to those around you who will give you much needed support in your time of stress.  Most of all tell your doctor how you feel.  He/she may prescribe a mild antidepressant or refer you to a support group.  This can make all the difference in the world.

If you are suffering from prolonged postpartum depression, instead of suffering in silence, seek professional help.

Take a Break

Many times new moms experience a more intense postpartum depression because they spend all of their time at home, cooped up with their newborn infant.

Be sure to take a break. Ask your husband or another family member to watch Baby while you take a much needed break.  This can be something as simple as taking a walk or strolling through the local mall; visit a friend or see a movie.

You have to learn that others can cope with Baby and that you need not be with him/her every minute of the day.

Admit Your Feelings

Therapy will help you deal with the feelings of guilt that goes along with postpartum depression.

A therapist can help you understand that mothering is a monumental task, not to be taken lightly.  He/she will assure you that your feelings are normal and that instead of being upset and embarrassed, you should be proud of yourself for taking on the responsibility of raising a child.

Postpartum Pain

After-pains are severe contractions that occur in the first week of giving birth.  These will diminish as the week progresses.  Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication.

Hemorrhoids are often part of the childbirth experience. Buy an over-the-counter medication and use a sitz bath often.

For many women, flushing the area with a squeeze bottle of warm water after toileting brings relief.

Engorged breasts can be very painful.  This usually happens 24 to 72 hours after giving birth.  Relief can be found by applying hot or cold compresses and wearing a firm support bra.  Hot showers may work for some women and if you’re nursing, try frequent feedings.

Resources for Sufferers

Depression After Delivery (DAD) 1-800-944-4733

Or write to:
DAD
PO Box 1282,
Morrisville, PA 19067

Postpartum Support International: 1-800-967-7636

Postpartum Adjustment Support Services (Canada)
Fax: 1-905-844-5973

Or write to:
PASS-CAN
PO Box 7282
Station Main
Oakville, Ontario
Canada  L6J 6L6

BOOKS:

The New Mother Syndrome…Coping with Postpartum Stress and Depression
By Carol Dix

Postpartum Survival Guide
By Anne Dunnewold, Ph.D., and Diane Sanford, Ph. D.

Related posts:

1. My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
2. What Are The Symptoms of Depression? (Clinical Depression-Major Depression)
3. What is Depression? (major depression)