Currently, quite often the topic of motherhood is raised in the information field, its importance and significance are discussed, while the birth of a child is described as the happiest event in the life of a family.
However, it also happens that instead of the joy of meeting a baby, a woman is faced with unpleasant experiences. Why does this happen and when should you sound the alarm?
Baby blues and postpartum depression are two of the most common conditions that can occur in women during the postpartum period. The main difference between them is the severity and duration of symptoms.
What are Baby Blues?
Up to 80% of women who have just given birth experience this condition. Complaints are mainly related to mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety about performing one’s duties, and sleep disturbances. This condition is not dangerous and goes away on its own by 10-12 days after birth without any treatment.
However, if more than two weeks have passed after giving birth and your health does not improve or even worsens, this is a reason to suspect a depressive disorder.
Although most postpartum depression develops in the first few weeks after giving birth, some women may experience symptoms later, several months or even a year after giving birth. This means that the young mother needs attention, care, and the opportunity to rest throughout the entire period.
Postpartum depression – risk factors
Researchers most often include the following risk factors for the development of postpartum depression:
- previous psychiatric diagnosis
- pronounced stressful events in life (family conflicts, situations of violence, financial difficulties, emigration, etc.)
- lack of support from partner or family members
- problems with breastfeeding
- controversial attitude towards pregnancy
- insufficient sleep
- depression and anxiety during pregnancy
- non-acceptance of the child’s gender
- low self-esteem of the mother
- complicated pregnancy
- emergency caesarean section
- premature birth
- there is a threat to the child’s life
- young age of mother
- gestational diabetes mellitus
- smoking during pregnancy.
It is important to note that the identification of one or another factor does not mean that after childbirth the psycho-emotional state will necessarily be severe, but it significantly increases the likelihood of a disorder. Therefore, women with the characteristics described above should be especially attentive to their well-being and be in the field of view of specialists.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary in intensity and manifest differently among women. Some of the most common symptoms to look out for include: depression, mood swings, tearfulness, sleep and appetite problems, irritability, fear of harming the baby, severe anxiety or lack of interest in the baby, guilt, and in severe cases, hopelessness, despair and suicidal thoughts.
It is important to note that up to 3/4 of cases of postpartum depression occur with anxiety and depressive symptoms. A number of women experience a depressive episode followed by mania (bipolar affective disorder).
The described manifestations of postpartum depression seriously affect a woman’s ability to care for herself and her child. They may also negatively affect her relationships with her partner and other family members.
It is better to consult a doctor
If these symptoms are detected, it is important to consult a psychiatrist. Treatment for postpartum depression usually includes medication support and psychotherapy. It is important to understand that self-medicating or trying to manage this condition on your own may not be safe or effective.
It’s not a shame
As we see, postpartum depression significantly worsens the quality of life of mothers, however, many women do not share their experiences even with family members and do not seek help. Often women are embarrassed to talk about their problems after childbirth due to fear of judgment. The topic of mental disorders associated with motherhood is extremely taboo in our society.
According to many, a good mother never gets tired of her child, she cannot help but have warm feelings for him, she endures all worries and difficulties steadfastly, corresponding to the highest ideals. As a result, women experience enormous pressure, and for many, admitting their difficulties becomes tantamount to admitting their own failure as mothers. But it is important to realize that postpartum depression is a medical diagnosis, and not a manifestation of “weakness” or “laziness.” Failure to promptly treat this disorder can result in serious consequences for mother and child, including maternal and/or infant mortality.
