Postnatal Depression and the Baby Blues

A Wirral Mums Guide to Coping with Postnatal Depression

Postnatal Depression and the Baby Blues

Introduction

Motherhood is one of the most memorable moments in a woman’s life. Your body has

been the vessel for a new life that will come into the world. This little person is a blank

slate. They are like a miniature adult who is looking to you for guidance, love and care. It

is a big responsibility not only for the mother but both parents.

Parenthood in general can lead to all sorts of anxieties: Will I be a good parent? What will

my child think of the job I’m doing? Can I handle the responsibility? Even parents who

plan for their children have these kinds of questions.

That is why it is not uncommon for mothers to experience a mix of feelings after baby is

born. Her body has been turned upside down by the presence of another human life so it

will take a lot of time for her to get back to “herself.” Now that there is a baby in the

picture, it can be harder to do.

In light of these circumstances, many mums experience a down period following the birth

of their child. Does that mean that you are a bad mother? No it doesn’t. It could however

mean that you need help taking care of your child until the situation passes.

Unfortunately, sometimes it does not pass. These are the situations that cause concern

and have peppered the news every now and again with horrific stories of mother and child

tragedies. But, we are getting ahead of ourselves here.

In this Wirral Mums Guide we will discuss what follows motherhood in the first weeks after

baby is born. Baby blues and postnatal depression will be the topic. People use these

terms interchangeably but are they really? Keep reading to find out exactly what each one

is and if there is cause for concern when they are present.

BABY BLUES – WHAT IS IT?

When you hear the term “baby blues” you think of a sadness that can envelop a woman

with a new baby. It can seem like a mixture of anxiety, fear, lack of sleep and raging

hormones. This can also sound like puberty but let’s not digress.

Baby blues is used to describe that period of time that follows birth in a good portion of

women. It can seem out of character for a woman to be depressed when she has

witnessed a miracle. But, it does happen.

Symptoms

Baby blues is a mild form of depression that occurs after birth and can last from a few

days to a few weeks. It is characterized by trouble sleeping, irritability, crying and

sadness. This can raise red flags with partners because the time is typically joyous.

Mothers themselves may be concerned at their behaviour. You can consult your doctor to

ask if it is normal. She will assure you that it is.

Why it Occurs

No one is certain why this happens. The popular reasoning is due to the changes in

hormone levels. They are in a constant state of flux during pregnancy and that continues

afterwards.

Mothers deal with breast issues after birth that can be distressing. There is the possibility

of engorgement and mastitis especially if they are breastfeeding. It is quite painful and can

hinder feeding and the enjoyment of the process.

Depending on how you delivered (vaginally or caesarean) there will be pain. This makes it

even harder to get around and tend to the baby. With surgical procedures, there is also

wound care that must be addressed.

Partners try to help but often feel powerless to do anything of significance. They are not as

adept at waking up when baby cries as mother is and that can be tiresome in the

beginning when you are supposed to be sharing the responsibility.

What Family can do to Help?

What a new mother needs is support. It used to be that she called her mother in to help

but with busy schedules and everyone working to make ends meet, this is a hard

proposition. Outside of mother, a new mum needs a method of support close to her that

she can lean on for help with baby issues, her health issues and just a few minutes to take

a bath. Getting that support can be the difference between the baby blues lasting a few

days and a few weeks.

One thing that sets baby blues apart from other conditions like postnatal depression is that

the mother is still capable of taking care of herself and her child. It has not been linked to

depression or stress. Baby is not being neglected no matter how tired she becomes. Her

child is still the centre of her world.

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Types

Postnatal depression is a more serious form of baby blues. It can lead to a depressive

disorder that needs to be addressed. There are actually two types of postnatal depression

and most people are not aware of that.

Postnatal Depression

This condition is a form of depression that most often occurs after the birth of a child.

Some woman may experience it after their first child or each child they deliver. It usually

shows up in the first few months after delivery and can follow baby blues if certain risk

factors are present.

It may interfere with the mother’s ability to care for her child. The child is still the centre of

her world but she is now faced with fears that she may harm the baby in her present state.

She may or may not voice these feelings to her partner or other family members.

Postnatal Psychosis

This is the second form of postnatal depression. It is a disorder that goes beyond thoughts

of harming self and on to thoughts of harming the baby as well. As with other forms of

psychosis there are delusions that cloud the mother’s thinking and also everything that

she does for baby. This form of postnatal depression can be misdiagnosed and that is

dangerous.

SYMPTOMS

Postnatal depression

This is actually a form of clinical depression. Without treatment it will continue and may

develop into something worse. Women who experience postnatal depression can display

some classic depression symptoms but also a few that are specifically related to

pregnancy.

The main red flag here is that the mother will tend to her baby less and less. She will rely

on family and her partner more and more. This could be mistaken for tiredness if other

symptoms were not present.

Some of the symptoms of postnatal depression include: anxiety (about baby and caring for

him, crying, constant sadness, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in everyday life,

moodiness, guilt over not taking care of baby, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and lack of

sleep. It is not just talk when a mother says that she is scared of her feelings or her child.

Crying incessantly is not normal either. There is at the very least, a measure of depression

going on here that someone has to help with.

Postnatal Psychosis

Most women either experience the baby blues or postnatal depression. Postnatal

psychosis does occur but it is not a common condition amongst mothers. When it does

occur it is important to know the symptoms so you can recognize them.

It is not unusual to experience the symptoms of postpartum depression but there are other

symptoms that make this disorder stand out: hallucinations, hearing voices, psychosis

(delusions), mood swings, paranoia and thoughts of harming the baby. It is not just

tiredness or fatigue that is driving the things that a mother in this condition is saying.

CAUSES

Postnatal depression

Anyone can have the baby blues but postnatal depression can have a root in hormonal

changes in the body. Now that the baby is delivered and the placenta no longer needs to

be maintained, hormone levels can plummet suddenly. This can have a poor effect on the

mother in the weeks following birth if the woman is sensitive to hormonal swings.

Past incidence of depression or other mental illness may play a role in predisposing the

mother to postnatal depression. If her depression was controlled with medication she may

be in better shape than those who were never diagnosed.

Postnatal Psychosis

The symptoms sound similar to those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Because it is rare it could be assumed that it is an extension of untreated postnatal

depression. It is hard for women to admit that they are having a problem taking care of

their child so they hide their feelings.

A woman with postnatal psychosis may appear normal and well-adjusted to others in

social settings but different behind closed doors. This can confuse partners and those

close to the mother into believing that the condition is only temporary and minor.

RISK FACTORS

Postnatal depression

The first risk factor is previous postnatal depression. It is not uncommon for the condition

to reoccur with subsequent children especially if it was not diagnosed properly the first

time. Women who have experienced depression previously before pregnancy need to be

careful and consult their doctor if they believe they are having feelings similar to when

they were clinically depressed before.

There are risk factors that occur outside of the body as well. For one, if another traumatic

event is occurring at the same time as the pregnancy and birth, it can colour the way that

the new mother views her situation. This includes but is not limited to: divorce, father of

the baby leaves the pregnant mother or even losing a job or relocating. Lack of family

support can also lead to a profound sadness because you are now alone with your child.

With such high hormone levels, it becomes harder to cope with the stresses and they can

manifest themselves as a postpartum disorder.

The way that a mother views herself and her role after pregnancy can also contribute to

depression at this time. Her body is all out of whack from delivery. She is caring for the

baby and at the same time believes that she is no longer sexy to her partner. To add to

that, sometimes the rectus muscles are overly distended during delivery and are hard to

whip back into shape.

The lack of sleep can contribute to the overwhelming nature of motherhood in general.

There is no book to accompany delivery and a first-time mother can be quite uncertain

that she has the motherly instinct. On the flip side, she may only see herself pigeonholed

as mother and fear losing her previous identity.

Previous miscarriages are also a factor in postnatal depression. The mother may fear that

this will happen again. She may have become depressed before and be at risk again.

Postnatal Psychosis

This condition is linked to previous bipolar disorder, clinical depression and episodes of

psychosis. A woman with this type of medical history needs to be monitored for

developing the more severe psychosis.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is also not an uncommon precursor to postnatal

psychosis. It is different from premenstrual syndrome in that symptoms are more severe

and can actually interfere with your ability to complete daily activities and responsibilities

in your life. It can be treated with certain birth control pills, but that will stop when you

decide you want to get pregnant.

WHEN TO GET HELP

Postnatal Depression

Learning when to get help from professionals will take a concerted effort from mother,

partner and family members. Mothers may be in denial because they believe that they are

supposed to be happy about becoming a mother. She may deny her symptoms and even

try to hide it. With depression, however, the symptoms will again resurface.

Mums, there is nothing wrong with getting help. Depression is a condition with a lot of

stigma attached but you can break the cycle. When you haven’t felt yourself for several

months following your pregnancy, it is time to talk to someone. Suicidal thoughts are not

part of routine baby blues and are a sign that you are having trouble coping with

motherhood and life in general.

When you feel yourself descending into alienation and anger, talk to a friend or even

better, your partner. Ask them if they would accompany you to see your doctor. Your

doctor can recommend a mental health professional who can diagnose you with postnatal

depression and prescribe further treatment.

Fathers, mothers are tired from caring for baby and this is your chance to jump in and help

out. Pay particular attention to what is going on at the times when she needs help most.

Does she lie in bed all the time? Is baby crying and she is nowhere to be found? What

about mood swings?

These things are not normal for post delivery. Ask her how she is feeling. If you get no

response convey your concerns to her doctor. He or she can take your description of the

situation and let you know if there is cause for concern. It could mean the difference

between life and death for the mother of your child and/or your child.

Postnatal Psychosis

Since this condition is not common, treatment can begin as soon as you notice the

symptoms. It is not normal to hear voices or listen to them. Delusions are not a result of

lack of sleep. If thoughts of hurting the baby are expressed or the baby seems to

experience a lot of minor accidents in mum’s presence it is time to get help.

Mums, if you are overly fearful for your child’s safety, call 999 and get to a hospital right

away for evaluation and treatment. This condition will not go away by itself.

FAMILY CAN HELP

Postnatal Depression

The usual course of treatment for depression is the one that is most often followed for

postnatal depression. A mix of cognitive behaviour therapy and self-care may be

recommended at first before any medication. Your family can help you with this.

Mothers always need time away to reconnect with themselves. Set up a support system of

individuals who will be there for you at a moment’s notice when you need it. At the top of

that list is your partner.

When both parents are present in the home, take a walk alone or take a soothing bubble

bath. Time spent alone each day helps you to put things back into perspective.

Participate in a support group. Sometimes family members are too close to you to be

objective about your treatment. Participating in group therapy sessions can also bring

them closer to an understanding of your situation so they are more able to help with a

solution to the problem.

Postnatal Psychosis

Medical treatment is often needed when depression reaches this point. Family members

can take up the slack of caring for baby while you are under treatment and trying to

recover. Lack of judgment is appreciated as you try to return to a place where you are

able to care for your child again.

CONCLUSION

Postnatal depression and baby blues are a possible outcome for women after they deliver.

One way to help you avoid or even head off more serious conditions is to recognize the

symptoms so you know when you get help. If you have had a previous bout with

depression tells your doctor. They can put you in touch with professionals who can

develop a plan to fight back against this risk factor.

Above all, create a network of support that can sustain you through all stages of the

postnatal period. Even if you are experiencing baby blues, a partner who understands and

gives you your space to be mother, wife and individual can help set you on the path to

happy motherhood and a nurturing time with your new baby.

LINKS

Mind Info Line: www.mind.org.uk

Tel: 0300 123 3393

The Mental Health Foundation: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Association For Postnatal Illness: www.apni.org

Tel: 0207 386 0868