What is Postpartum Depression?

The excitement of the birth of a baby doesn’t come without a powerful mixture of other emotions, including fear, joy, anxiety, and even depression. Many new mothers experience what is known as “baby blues” after giving birth. Common symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and crying which usually begin within the first few days after delivery and last up to 2 weeks.

However, some new mothers experience a more long-term and severe form of depression known as postpartum depression or PPD. Postpartum depression may at first be thought of as just common “baby blues”, but if you suffer from the symptoms for longer then a few weeks and they interfere with your ability to care for your baby, it’s important to recognize the signs and get the help you need. It’s also important to note that symptoms may start up to 6 months after giving birth.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings
  • Excessive crying
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  • Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
  • Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Fear that you’re not a good mother
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
  • Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Recurrent thoughts of hopelessness

It is important to understand that postpartum depression is NOT a sign of weakness, bad parenting, or a character flaw. Postpartum depression is a diagnosable mental health disorder that is very real and ver serious. If you have postpartum depression, professional depression treatment can help you manage your symptoms — and enjoy your motherhood. In recent years, new forms of depression treatment have been developed that can treat new mothers. Some of these treatments do not involve the use of medications, so mothers who are breast-feeding do not have to worry. Contact us today to explore your postpartum depression treatment options.

Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez

Dr. Raul Rodriguez

DABPN, DABAM, MRO

Existing patients, please text 561-409-7296 for follow-up appointment requests or if you have medication concerns please text 561-409-7296.

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