
During the first days and weeks after the birth, you’re likely to be very volatile emotionally because of the abrupt drop in your hormone levels. And, because giving birth is such a major event in your life, it’s likely to accentuate any underlying personal or emotional problems you may have, and to bring any unresolved issues to the surface. It’s difficult to predict just how you will feel about the birth of your baby-sometimes an elated, trouble-free pregnancy can be followed by a low-key postnatal period.
The nature and severity of postnatal emotional problems and the length of time they last varies greatly from one woman to another, and from one pregnancy to another. A woman can be fine after the birth of one child, then have a rough time following the birth of the next one.
The “Baby Blues”
Because the most important single cause of emotional problems after a birth is the abrupt and unavoidable drop in hormone levels, don’t be surprised if you suffer from the baby blues to some extent. As many as 80 percent of mothers do, so it’s really the norm rather than the exception. Women who escape these feelings entirely are a very lucky minority. For the nine months of pregnancy, you’ve had very high levels of hormones, and suddenly they’re plunged back to the comparatively low normal levels. This drastic swing makes most women weepy, susceptible to sudden mood swings, irritable, indecisive, and anxious.
The baby blues usually start about three to five days after the birth and last for about a week to 10 days. The onset often coincides with your milk coming in (which itself is governed by your changing hormones), and for this reason the baby blues used to be known as “milk fever.”
Becoming a mother If you get the baby blues, you’ll probably find that the reality of motherhood seems difficult to cope with once the initial euphoria of the birth wears off. As well as the symptoms mentioned above, you might feel confused, anxious about your ability to care for your baby, and frustrated because it seems to be taking you so long to learn to be a good mother. Be easy on yourself; no woman has the expertise for instant motherhoodit’s something that only happens with time.
Relationship changes You might also find that you feel differently about your partner. This doesn’t mean that you are feeling less for him, you’re just feeling different. This isn’t a sign that your relationship is deteriorating-it’s more likely that eventually it will mature and become richer. One of the best ways to keep the stresses and strains of motherhood in perspective, and prevent them from turning into a serious emotional disturbance, is to talk things through openly with your partner and share your worries.
It’s also important not to overdo things. Of course you’ll be tired in the early days, but don’t ignore your feelings. If you’re tired, stop whatever you are doing if it’s not essential, and lie down with your feet raised slightly above your head. You don’t have to go to sleep to conserve your strength; a good rest may be all you need.
Postpartum Depression
About 10 percent of all mothers develop postpartum depression. In many ways this is different and separate from the baby blues. Postpartum depression is longer-lasting, more serious, and needs rapid medical attention. It’s a psychiatric disorder that can get out of hand if left untreated, and it’s vital to get medical help early. With treatment, your depression should improve in a few weeks; the longer it is untreated, the longer it will take to resolve.
Symptoms Postpartum depression has many symptoms, and different women experience these in varying combinations. As well as depressive symptoms, such as hopelessness and despondency, sufferers can experience lethargy, anxiety, tension, panic, sleep difficulties, loss of interest in sex, obsessional thoughts, feelings of guilt, and lack of self-esteem and concentration.
Treatment Drugs will help you recover from postpartum depression, but you’ll need lots of support from family and friends, too. There are also things you can do for yourself. Your doctor will normally prescribe antidepressant drugs, taking breastfeeding into account. Over a period of time, these will bring about a gentle and gradual improvement, so it’s important to keep taking your medication even after you start feeling better. Some drugs may have side effects such as a dry mouth, drowsiness, and confused thoughts. If you find that any of these side effects interfere with your daily life or upset you, ask your doctor about changing your medication.
If you find that your feelings of depression get worse before your period, tell your doctors. They may be able to prescribe further medication, such as progesterone suppositories or injections, to prevent this severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
Puerperal Psychosis
This rare psychotic form of postpartum depression affects about one in 1,000 mothers. The sufferer loses contact with reality, may experience delusions or hallucinations, and always has to spend some time in the hospital. Treatment may include drugs, psychotherapy, and/or electroconvulsive therapy.