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Postpartum Depression

A Certified Doula Answers Common Questions About Postpartum Depression

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

The "baby blues" tends to be a temporary feeling, which may begin during the first week of mothering. During this time, a woman's body is shifting from pregnancy hormones to milk-producing hormones. Feeling emotional, tearful and fatigued is common. There may be additional frustration from physical issues such as learning how to breastfeed, trying to sleep, healing from a difficult birth.

Fortunately, many women can get through this challenge by acknowledging their feelings and calling a friend, doula or midwife for support. Mothers appreciate reassurance and nurturing at this point. The "blues" can pass quickly, and mothers will usually be feeling better by one week to 10 days after birth.

Postpartum depression may begin later, during the weeks or months following birth. It lasts longer than a few days, and the symptoms are more severe, affecting many aspects of the woman's life.

It seems that the stress of mothering, in addition to other life issues, increases the risk. Some of these factors include poverty, lack of support, history of abuse, history of severe premenstrual syndrome, changing from full-time career to full-time motherhood, teen motherhood and marital stress. Mothers who are depressed during pregnancy may continue to experience depression following the baby's birth. Women who have bipolar disorder, previous psychotic illness or mental illness appear to have the highest risk for postpartum depression.

A past history of depression does increase the risk for postpartum depression, but it does not mean that a mother will automatically feel depressed after giving birth. Creating resources for postpartum support (ideally before you need them) and discussing your concerns with your partner and care provider ahead of time can also be helpful. Women who have experienced postpartum depression may have a relapse with future pregnancies. Some women who are on anti-depressant medication when they get pregnant remain on the medication and plan with their doctor to re-evaluate needs/dosage during postpartum.

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!