quick clicks

pregnancy today articles

pregnancy today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Postpartum Depression

A Certified Doula Answers Common Questions About Postpartum Depression

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

We often see images of fashionable, glowing mothers with plump, happy babies. While we like to romanticize motherhood, there are aspects of becoming a mother that are not so rosy, including the stress of trying to calm a wailing baby, sleepless nights, piles of laundry, misgivings about physical appearance, isolation of being a stay-at-home mother and adjusting to the major life change of parenting. These things aren't as commonly portrayed in the media.

For many women the transition to motherhood includes an additional difficulty: postpartum depression. Unfortunately, many women who feel depressed may not seek help because of the stigma associated with postpartum depression. Sometimes their symptoms are overlooked during brief doctor visits. Here are some answers to common questions about postpartum depression that can be helpful for new and expectant mothers, fathers and even grandparents.

PPD is a very treatable form of depression that occurs during the early weeks or months of parenting. Postpartum depression is quite common. It can occur in a woman who is having her first baby, or it can begin with subsequent pregnancies. Having PPD does not necessarily mean that you want to hurt your baby. Many mothers with PPD feel overwhelmed by household chores, baby care and feelings of isolation while being at home with a baby. Mothers may experience anxiety over the baby's well-being or about the responsibility of caring for someone who is so vulnerable and dependent. Postpartum depression can be similar to other forms of depression, but is triggered during early motherhood.

Some of the factors involved in PPD are genetics, hormones and chemicals in the brain, nutrition, social support, and stress, personal and family history.

Women with PPD may experience anxiety, sadness, feeling overwhelmed, inability to sleep even when tired or inability to get out of bed. Some women have a poor self-image, poor appetite, lose interest in things that were once enjoyable to them or have panic attacks. Mothers often feel distant from their baby, partner and friends.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Postpartum Depression: Helping Yourself Helps Your Family
• Keeping Your Spirits Up: Recognizing and Avoiding Depression
• Daddy Baby Blues? Understanding How Postpartum Depression Affects New Dads
• Talk about it!