Postpartum Depression - Park Royal

What is Postpartum Depression? While the birth of a child is often met with great enthusiasm and joy, in some new mothers, it can also lead to depression. The "baby blues" are quite common in new mothers and are characterized by mood swings and crying jags that fade after several weeks. Some new mothers, however develop a more severe form of depression: postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression isn't a sign of weak character or that a woman doesn't love her baby - it's simply a complication of birth. PPD is quite common, affecting one in every eight (or 13%) woman after birth. Symptoms include pervasive sadness long past the hormone shifts, lack of sleep, and adjustment to life with a newborn, feelings of guilt, anxiety, stress, and feelings of hopelessness. Some women with postpartum depression report that they don't feel joy or excitement about their new baby, which causes extreme emotional distress. With early treatment and proper support, nearly all women with postpartum depression are able to make a full recovery and return to a happy, healthy life with their new baby. Who is at Risk for PPD? It's important for new mothers and their loved ones to remember that postpartum depression can develop after the birth of any child - not simply the first. It's thought that postpartum depression is not the result of one single factor, rather it is the complex interplay between risk factors that leads to the development of PPD. There are a number of risk factors that may combine with physical changes associated with the postnatal period, the emotional factors associated with caring for a newborn, and lifestyle factors can lead to PPD. These may include coping challenging infant, those who are juggling many children, or are experiencing problems breastfeeding. Women who have a history of depression - during pregnancy or not - and those who have experienced postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy are at higher risk for developing PPD. Women who've been through a number of stressful situations such as relationship problems with the child's father, stressful life events the year before pregnancy, or have financial problems are at higher risk for PPD. Additionally, if the woman has a weak support system or the pregnancy was unplanned are at greater risk for developing postpartum depression. Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression Park Royal Hospital is proud to offer multidisciplinary treatment to women who are struggling with depression following the birth of their baby that meets all of her needs - mind, body, and spirit. Many women who have PPD may need medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents to help them function in daily life and prevent any complications of PPD. Breastfeeding women should inform their doctor so he or she can help them make the appropriate choice. Individual therapy can do wonders to help a women with PPD accept that having this disorder does not make her a bad mother or bad wife. Additionally, she can learn ways to reduce stress and handle the challenges she faces. Group therapy can allow women to connect with others who are struggling with similar challenges so that each can grow, learn, and heal. Family therapy will help loved ones and family members learn how they can help and support her during recovery. This combination of therapeutic approaches can do wonders to help a woman struggling with PPD return to her new baby and family with renewed feelings of happiness, joy, and hope for the future.