Post Natal Depression

This can be a difficult topic to discuss and often seen as scary, but with the right information, if you are affected, it really can help – you really are not alone. Pregnancy, as you know can be a emotional roller coaster, your hormones are causing havoc, your excited but scared and you are busy planning for this tiny little miracle that you can’t wait to meet. Once baby arrives, these emotions may hit an all-time high. Suddenly you are expected to keep this little human alive, and the pressure may feel overwhelming at times. You may put a lot of pressure on yourself to be perfect, but you know what mum, all your baby needs of you right now is your love, time and attention. Baby blues Following the birth of baby, you may experience what is known as baby blues – completely normal and affects up to 80% of us. On day 3 after baby arrivals your milk will kick in and with it even more hormones flying around. Add to this you will most likely be exhausted and a little bit clueless, so it is no surprise that you will be feeling all over the place, fine one minute then bursting into tears the next. The good news here mum, is that it should only last a few days, don’t get us wrong you will still experience exhaustion and the ups and downs of parenthood, but the feeling emotional and touchy should subside for most. What if it continues? If after 10 days your mood hasn’t lifted, and you are feeling disconnected from baby, struggling to get out of bed and despondent, then you may be experiencing something more serious. Post Natal Depression (PND) affects 1 in 10 new mums, this number increases to 4 in 10 for teenage mums. It usually affects a new mum or dad (yes dads can suffer too), 2 – 8 weeks after birth but sometimes happens up to a year after baby is born. If you are struggling to look after yourself or baby, can’t stop crying and a feeling of hopelessness, then it is time to get help. Speak to TOH, friend, health visitor or GP, do not suffer alone. Depending on the severity of your condition will usually determine the treatment, but if you are suffering with milder cases, then you may be offered counselling, while more severe cases may require medication. If you are breastfeeding, then do let your GP know as this may affect which medication you are prescribed. If you feel you are not getting the help you need, then ask to speak to another GP or reach out to someone you trust as the help is available. How long does PND last? This is a difficult question to answer and varies for each mum, but getting help is important as you can’t go through this alone. By reaching out, you are also helping those around you as research has shown that if you have PND then your partner is twice as likely to develop it also. The most important thing to remember is you are not to blame. No one is going to think less of you if you tell them how you feel. It actually demonstrates how strong you are as a mother and partner to talk through these feelings and get the correct help for both you and your family. More on this topic: Feeling Depressed after Childbirth? | NHS Postnatal Depression | Mama Academy How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last? | healthline.com Dads Can Get Depression During and After Pregnancy, Too | HealthyChildren.org