postpartum depresion ? what are the signs?

Question

the day my baby was born was a tough day for me they discover that my baby had some thing in the heart arrytmia hyperthrophy and another thing it was ahard day for me because until they do the baby more test ypu dont really know whats happenning and all the bad things come to your mind thank god my baby was fine evrything was bening so she was fine with her grow everything will disaappear and it did at 2 months now she dont have any arrytmia and the thing i dont remeber exactly the name has reduce like he was suppose to do so my baby is know a normal healthy perfect baby but sometimes i look at my babay and want to cry because sometimes i am scared something happen to her like that day its this normal or maybe this is postpartum depresion what you think? i do the chores i hold my babay every minute i can i take care of her at night i breastfeed her im happy most of the time sometimes im tired thats normal im just looking for opinion and to now others moms experiences

sorry i was trying to write with my 2 year old jumping up and down and playing with my computer

Answer 1

Why do women get postpartum depression?

Having a baby can be one of the biggest and happiest events in a woman's life. While life with a new baby can be thrilling and rewarding, it can also be hard and stressful at times. Many physical and emotional changes can happen to a woman when she is pregnant and after she gives birth. These changes can leave new mothers feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused. For many women, these feelings (called the baby blues) go away quickly. But when these feelings do not go away or get worse, a woman may have postpartum depression. This is a serious condition that requires quick treatment from a health care provider.

What is postpartum depression? Are the "baby blues" the same thing as postpartum depression?


Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many mothers can have after having a baby. PPD can be treated with medication and counseling. Talk with your health care provider right away if you think you have PPD.

There are three types of PPD women can have after giving birth:

The baby blues happen in many women in the days right after childbirth. A new mother can have sudden mood swings, such as feeling very happy and then feeling very sad. She may cry for no reason and can feel impatient, irritable, restless, anxious, lonely, and sad. The baby blues may last only a few hours or as long as 1 to 2 weeks after delivery. The baby blues do not always require treatment from a health care provider. Often, joining a support group of new moms or talking with other moms helps.


Postpartum depression (PPD) can happen a few days or even months after childbirth. PPD can happen after the birth of any child, not just the first child. A woman can have feelings similar to the baby blues - sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability - but she feels them much more strongly than she would with the baby blues. PPD often keeps a woman from doing the things she needs to do every day. When a woman's ability to function is affected, this is a sure sign that she needs to see her health care provider right away. If a woman does not get treatment for PPD, symptoms can get worse and last for as long as 1 year. While PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated with medication and counseling.


Postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental illness that can affect new mothers. This illness can happen quickly, often within the first 3 months after childbirth. Women can lose touch with reality, often having auditory hallucinations (hearing things that aren't actually happening, like a person talking) and delusions (seeing things differently from what they are). Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there) are less common. Other symptoms include insomnia (not being able to sleep), feeling agitated (unsettled) and angry, and strange feelings and behaviors. Women who have postpartum psychosis need treatment right away and almost always need medication. Sometimes women are put into the hospital because they are at risk for hurting themselves or someone else.

What are the signs of postpartum depression?

The signs of postpartum depression include:
Feeling restless or irritable.

Feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot.

Having no energy.

Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart being fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing).

Not being able to sleep or being very tired, or both.

Not being able to eat and weight loss.

Overeating and weight gain.

Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.

Being overly worried about the baby.

Not having any interest in the baby.

Feeling worthless and guilty.

Being afraid of hurting the baby or yourself.

No interest or pleasure in activities, including sex.

A woman may feel anxious after childbirth but not have PPD. She may have what is called postpartum anxiety or panic disorder. Signs of this condition include strong anxiety and fear, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, hot or cold flashes, chest pain, and feeling shaky or dizzy. Talk with your health care provider right away if you have any of these signs. Medication and counseling can be used to treat postpartum anxiety.

What can I do to take better care of myself if I get postpartum depression?


The good news is that if you have PPD, there are things you can do to take care of yourself.

Get good, old-fashioned rest. Always try to nap when the baby naps.


Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest! Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings.


Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.


Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house - run an errand or take a short walk.


Spend time alone with your husband or partner.


Talk to your health care provider about medical treatment. Do not be shy about telling them your concerns. Not all health care providers know how to tell if you have PPD. Ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.


Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.


Join a support group for women with PPD. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.

Answer 2

Here's some info on PPD that I give my doula clients:
Note that over-worrying (high anxiety) about the baby IS a sign of PPD- are there any others that fit? If so talk with your care provider about your options.
And Good Luck!

Postpartum depression or PPD affects at least 10% of new moms and can happen at any time within the first year after the birth of a new baby. Moms with a history of depression may be more susceptible to PPD.


How will I know if I have PPD?
Symptoms are usually similar to those of the “baby blues” but last longer than 2 weeks and can include:
·Always feeling tired
·Feeling irritable or angry
·Unable to sleep, or wanting to sleep a lot
·Thoughts or fears that do not make sense
·Increase or decrease in appetite or weight
·Feeling a loss of control
·Feeling hopeless or not interested in daily activities
·Feelings of guilt
·Anxiety or panic attacks
·Difficulty making simple decisions
·An over-concern or no feelings for the baby
·Thoughts of suicide or of hurting the baby

What helps?
The same things that help for “baby blues” can help for PPD, but you will also need to seek additional help.
·Once you understand what the problem might be, you may start to feel better. You can talk to your doctor or midwife to assist you to get help. There is help for postpartum depression.
·A next step may be to talk to your doctor or midwife to be sure that you have no medical problems, such thyroid problems or anemia, both of which can affect how you feel.
·Medication may be recommended, and there are safe medications to take when breastfeeding.
·Professional help from a counselor/therapist can help recovery. There are also support groups specifically for mom’s feeling the same way as you. Talking about your experiences may help you feel better.
·Marital counseling may help as well. PPD can add to underlying problems and friction between partners.

Answer 3

I suffered with PPD for the first month and a half of my daughter's life. I was constantly crying and felt like I was an awful parent because I couldn't stop. I had my mother over everyday to help me out with the baby because I felt like it was my fault when she cried. When my mom would leave, I'd break down all over again.

I started on an anti-depressant and am seeing a therapist now and I'm doing fine. The first few weeks of having a baby were really rough, but she's three months now and I've gotten back into the swing of things. She has a sleeping pattern, an eating pattern, and I don't feel guilty when she cries because sometimes that's just what babies do.

Answer 4

I understand how you are feeling, Everything was perfect with my pregnancy, Until I had to have an er c-section. PPD can hit any time after you have the baby. It didn't hit me until I my son was 4 months old. the best thing for you to do is go and talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and if you can talk to a councelor. It helped me out alot.

Answer 5

it doesn't sound like you have postpartum depression, you actually sound pretty normal. other than your writing skills, that is. was that entire thing one sentence? wow.

if you are feeling depressed or think you may be, you need to talk to your doctor about it before it progresses. she can help determine what is really going on, and get you help and support if you need it.

Answer 6

Women with post partum depression generally want nothing to do with their baby, to the point of totally rejecting it. If anything you're the complete opposite. I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 7

i wouldnt think thats a sign, everyone is scared something is going to happen to your baby, but one of the main signs of it is not wanting to be around your baby or not feeling like taking care of it ect, but since you said you always want to be holding your baby, then i wouldnt think you would have ppd. But if you are still worried, then you should talk to your doctor about it.

Answer 8

If you park your car in the middle of a lake with your kid still buckled in the safety seat, it's a good sign that you might be suffering from PPD.

Answer 9

It doesn't sound like post partum depression. Sounds like you are just being a typical parent.

Answer 10

I would talk to your doctor they are the ones that can really help you with this.