Pregnancy Today

Search by:
articles
|
expert advice
|
stories
|
recalls
|
all content

Postpartum Topics Postpartum Depression & Emotional Recovery Physical Recovery Breastfeeding Basics Babyproofing Newborn Basics Most Popular Postpartum Pages Postpartum Depression: Why Getting Help Is a Good Thing for Mom and Baby Fitness and Breastfeeding: A Winning Combination Baby Weight Percentile Calculator: Determine Your Baby's Percentile and an Idea at Potential Future Growth Quiz: Getting to Know Your Newborn, Head to Toe

Babies Today

Postpartum Depression & Emotional Recovery

Postpartum Depression Q&A

A Certified Doula Answers Common Questions About Postpartum Depression

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

1 Comment View all >

bookmark & share | print

Postpartum Depression-A Certified Doula Answers Common Questions About Postpartum Depression 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.


	Mothers with postpartum depression often feel distant from their baby, partner and friends.

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.

pages: 1 2 3 4

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT...

Postpartum Depression Q&A

Add your own comment

View all 1 comment

Anonymous says

October 13, 2009

Postpartum depression is real. In the past, too many women and families have suffered in silence. It does not have to be like that now. A couple years back I suffered from severe PMD. A depression I thought I would never come out of, but I did, 100%.
Women suffering through it are not able to believe it will getter better, as this is what the depression does, but with hope, strength, courage, and most of all with help, you will get through it and smile again. Once you recover, you realize that you did it all for the love of your child (which during depression is hidden, or shall we say buried, just for the time being)
My family support, medical support, community support,faith and baby, got me through the darkest and emptiest hours of my life.
For any woman reading this comment, you owe it to yourself to admit to your suffering and turn for help. You are not alone. You will see the light at the end of the tunnel very soon! When you get through this you will realize you are 100 times stronger than you could ever imagine and that your love for your child will grow so deep and those tears of sorrow will soon turn to tears of happiness! The sun will shine again for you. Please get the help today.

Content provided on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be construed to be medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Click here for additional information.

Welcome, please join our community!

New guest? Sign up! Returning guest? Sign in!