Darker Shades Of Baby Blue: Post Partum Depression And Beyond

[Guest guest]

One more like the last ..... " Women's Health Issues "

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

Turkish Rose Items To Delight

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Darker Shades Of Baby Blue: Post Partum Depression And Beyond

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/depression_women/66790

 

Author: Dena Lambert

Published on: June 22, 2001

 

Postpartum Depression is a highly overused term commonly thought to be

interchangeable with " Baby Blues. " In this article, we will distinguish the

difference between the Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression (PPD) and

Postpartum Psychosis (PPP).

 

Baby Blues is the most common of all postpartum disorders. Up to 80% of new

mothers will suffer from a letdown of some sort beginning on the 3rd or 4th

day after delivery. These symptoms (listed below) typically cease on their

own within 10 days to 2 weeks.

 

Baby Blues Symptoms: *crying jags *hypersensitivity *feeling overwhelmed

*irritability *impatience *sadness (may be aggravated by the expectation of

new motherhood bliss)

 

Baby Blues becomes Postpartum Depression when the symptoms begin to

interfere with you everyday living. Postpartum Depression typically develops

anywhere from a week to several months after delivery.

 

Postpartum Depression Symptoms: *change in appetite *change in sleeping

habits *anger *panic attacks *feelings of helplessness, worthlessness and

guilt *difficulty concentrating *inability to make decisions *obsessive

thoughts *racing thoughts *loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

(including sex) *loss of energy *nausea, vomiting, diarrhea *frequent crying

jags *suicidal thoughts (seek help immediately) *thoughts of hurting

yourself or your baby (seek help immediately)

 

**This list of symptoms is not all-inclusive as PPD affects different women

in different ways.

 

According to statistics, PPD is not nearly as common as the Baby Blues, but

it is believed that PPD is extremely under diagnosed because of the stigma

attached to such a diagnosis. Many mothers do not report their symptoms to

their doctors because they are ashamed or are afraid that if someone knew

what they were going through that their babies would be taken away from

them.

 

Rest assured that if you are suffering from Postpartum Depression it is not

your fault and most importantly you are not alone. Professional help is

available. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for treatment

and recovery. It is imperative that you seek help immediately if you feel

suicidal or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Set your

baby in his/her crib (or somewhere safe) and call a friend, family member,

or neighbor to stay with you until you can go for help.

 

Postpartum Psychosis is the most severe form of all postpartum disorders and

fortunately is the most rare. The symptoms typically come on very suddenly

and within the first couple of weeks following delivery. Symptoms of

Postpartum Psychosis are very closely related to those of Bipolar Disorder

or Schizophrenia.

 

Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms: *rapid speech (incomplete thoughts, jumping

from topic to topic) *insomnia (or sleeping all the time, but not feeling

rested) *going without food *irrational behavior (spending sprees,

violence...) *severe depression *withdrawal *panicky *suicidal *homicidal

*hallucinations (very rare)

 

The manic like symptoms of PPP are usually followed by an extremely

depressive period. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be

suffering from PPP seek help immediately. This is a very serious disorder

that requires medical intervention.

 

The period following childbirth is one of transition. Postpartum depression

of any kind is a common occurrence due to the dramatic changes of hormones

of new mothers and a number of other predetermining factors. If you find

that your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, discuss your

situation with a loved one, a healthcare professional or another woman who

has had a similar experience. With a little support you can get through this

and enjoy the new addition to your family.