What to do when the party is over

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression is the continued down feeling that follows pregnancy which is lasting more than two weeks. A full list of symptoms are listed below some of which include irritability, loss in energy, little appetite and poor sleep.
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Postpartum depression and mood disorders are common in about 10-20% of mothers. These statistics are likely low as many women do not seek care and are unaware of the symptoms of a mood disorder. Up to 85% of new mothers experience some sort of "baby blues" in the few weeks following the birth of their child. In addition, many women will experience some sort of prenatal depression or anxiety. As so many of our women experience this, it is important that we speak openly about it and create awareness so that mothers do not feel as though they are alone. 

Talk to your friends who have just had babies.
Talk to your sisters.
​Talk to your spouses and partners. 
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(source: Psychology Today)

• Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men. 

• 15-20% of Canadian women will experience postpartum depression.

• ​50% of women who have experienced postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy who will re-experience it in following pregnancies.

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• Almost 10% of new fathers experience some sort of mood disorder or depression in the postpartum period.

​Again, talk about it. Let everyone know about it. 

Celebrities opened the floor for the discussion this year. It seems to be something that is shedding its stigma and is being let out into the light of day. Keep talking. The Huffington Post just posted an article about the rise in discussion of PPD and other PP mood disorders. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms (listed on PSI), talk to them and encourage professional support. 

• Feelings of anger or irritability
• Lack of interest in the baby
• Appetite and sleep disturbance
• Crying and sadness
• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
• Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself (Contact your doctor if this is the case)

Talk to your healthcare provider during the prenatal period about resources in your community, and potential for screening if you are at risk. By opening the discussion, you will have taken one step to a safer mental health outcome. Just remember, having a postpartum mood disorder does not mean you are a bad mother. 

(source: RN Speak.com)

What can I do?

• Seek professional support. It may take time to set up doctor appointments, seek out support groups. 
• Remember that you are a good mother. When overwhelmed, put the baby down somewhere safe and take a minute. 
• Nutrition. Eat healthy balanced meals and snacks, avoid alcohol.
• Talk. Reach out to friends, family, doula, healthcare provider. Talk about your fears and anxieties.
• Lower your expectations. Reframe priorities from laundry to health and care. Ask for assistance from your partner, family or other.
• Take medications. If you have been prescribed a medication by your doctor, keep taking it - even if you are feeling bette today. 
• Exercise. Take a walk. Do some housework that requires lifting, bending, etc. Grab a friend and take baby & stroller out for a walk. 
• Support Group/Parent Group. Having other mothers to talk to who are in the same situation can be a great relief and resource.
• Rest. Make sure to sleep when you can (when baby sleeps) or at least rest.

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What can your doula do to help?

As a doula, I believe in full spectrum postpartum care. Often the signs of PPD only occur after a client-doula relationship has ended. This means that even if our postpartum care relationship has ended - feel free to reach out to me so that I can provide you with the appropriate tools and resources. I believe in prevention by making sure the mother and partner are supported and that they are aware of the signs of PPD. 

I am a strong advocate of informed decision making. I think this should include knowing about mental health issues and addressing them. We can discuss such things as support groups, special counselling, postpartum doula support and follow-up, creating tangible networks, placenta encapsulation, and more.

​You are not alone. ​

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Resources for Postpartum Mood Disorders 

• Postpartum Progress: Together. Stronger. 
  • Read Warrior Mom stories of moms dealing with PPD and PP mood disorders.​
• Prevalence of Self-Reported Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA. 2008.
• ​Canadian Women's Health Network. When sadness follows childbirth, 2001 
  
• Mood Disorders Society of Canada, 2009
• Life With A Baby - An Ontario resource for PP Mood Disorders​
• Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month is May, also the month to host Mother's Day.

​Postpartum Support International. 
A great resource for mothers, fathers and family dealing with PP mood disorders. Up-to-date information and facts.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Fact Sheet, 2014.
PSI Online Support groups