The Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Mild moodiness and "blues" are very common after having a baby, but when symptoms are more than mild or last more than a few days, help should be sought. Below we have outlined the three separate characteristics and degrees of Postpartum mood disorders. It is important to understand that some forms of postpartum depression can be extremely serious for both mother and baby.

Postpartum 'blues' - the name most commonly used to describe the weeping and emotional instability which occurs during the first postpartum week include symptoms like:

	Lack of Sleep
	No Energy
	Food Craving or Loss of Appetite
	Feeling Tired Even after Sleeping
	Anxiety and Excessive Worry
	Great Concern over Physical Changes
	Confusion and Nervousness
	Feeling, "I'm not myself; this isn't me"
	Lack of Confidence
	Sadness
	Feeling Overwhelmed
	Crying more than Usual
	Hyperactivity or Excitability
	Overly Sensitive
	Feelings Hurt Easily
	Irritability
	Lack of Feeling for the Baby

The Baby blues, usually occur 1-3 days after the baby’s birth. This is fairly common as incidence rates range from 500 to 800 cases per 1000 births (50-80%).

Postpartum Depression or moderate depression disorder - more debilitating than the baby blues. Researchers suggest that only 20% of women experiencing this form of depression seek treatment. Unfortunately, many should. Symptoms may include:

	Headaches
	Numbness, Tingling in Limbs
	Chest Pains, Heart Palpitations
	Hyperventilation
	Despondency or Despair
	Feelings of Inadequacy
	Inability to Cope
	Hopelessness
	Over Concern for Baby's Health
	Impaired Concentration or Memory
	Loss of Normal Interests
	Thoughts of Suicide
	Bizarre or Strange Thoughts
	Panic Attacks
	Hostile
	New Fears of Phobias
	Nightmares
	Extreme Guilt
	No Feelings for Baby
	Over Concern for Baby
	Feeling "out of control"
	Feeling like "you are going crazy"

This form of postpartum depression occurs less frequently than the baby blues ranging from 30 to 200 cases per 1000 births (3-20%). Depression may occur at any time after delivery, up to one year.. The symptoms may last from a few weeks to several months.

Postpartum Psychosis or puerperal psychosis - a relatively rare disorder occuring in approximately 1% of new mothers following childbirth with symptoms similar to general psychotic reactions. Symptoms may include:

	Refusal to Eat
	Inability to Stop Activity
	Frantic Excessive Energy
	Extreme Confusion
	Loss of Memory
	Incoherence
	Bizarre Hallucinations
	Suspiciousness
	Irrational Statements
	Bizarre Behavior
	Preoccupation with Trivia

This rare disorder occurs severely and quickly, usually within the first three months: 80% of all cases show up within 3-14 days after a symptom-free period.

Seek the advice of a qualified physician for evaluation if you or a loved one is suffering with: sleep disturbances, eating problems arise, intense depressed feelings occur, you begin to withdraw or isolate socially, or interaction with the new baby is suffering.

There are numerous medications and treatments available for these disorders even for breast-feeding mothers. If your physician downplays or ignores your plea for help, find one who will listen.

Prevention Strategies for New Mothers and Fathers

Get help from husband, dependable friends, and relatives

Make friends with other couples who are experienced with child-bearing and rearing

Don't overload yourself with unimportant tasks

Don't move soon after the baby arrives or make other stressful changes

Don't be over concerned with keeping up appearances

Get plenty of rest and sleep

Don't be a nurse to relatives and others at this time

Talk to your husband, family and experienced friends, and discuss your plans and worries

Don't give up outside interests, but cut down on responsibilities and rearrange schedules

Arrange for baby-sitters early

Get a family doctor early

Excerpts from Postpartum Support International and Dr. Cheryl Beck, Professor and Researcher at the University of Connecticut

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Postpartum Depression, Psychosis and the Baby Blues