Hope & Healing from Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is life changing. Not only are you learning how to care for a child, but you are developing a new identity as a mother. This transformation is sometimes called Matrescence and refers to the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual changes that occur during the postpartum stage. You may suddenly see your life and relationships in a new light and may develop a new worldview and set of values.

Childbirth Can Be Traumatic

You may go into motherhood expecting to feel incredible, immediate love for your baby. You may feel pressure to respond and bond in a particular way. There is a great deal of pressure to “bounce back” and resume your previous life. Your life is different now; you are different now. You have been through something powerful, transformative, and possibly traumatic. It is incredibly important to take it slow, be gentle with yourself, and allow your body, mind, and spirit to heal after the birth of your baby.

It is normal to feel emotional following childbirth. The experience of pregnancy and motherhood stirs up a variety of thoughts, feelings and hormonal changes. It is normal to have mixed emotions, doubts, and fears. Some thoughts and feelings may surprise or even scare you. Even up to two weeks postpartum, most moms experience the “baby blues” which are characterized by mood swings, sadness, fatigue, irritability, worry, crying spells, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. However, if these symptoms persist and intensify longer than two weeks, you might be experiencing postpartum depression.

Studies show that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience postpartum depression. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may develop into a rare postpartum mood disorder called postpartum psychosis. If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, it is important to seek professional help from a doctor and counselor right away, even before your six-week postpartum check-up. Without treatment, postpartum depression can persist for months or even longer.

Postpartum depression symptoms may include: severe mood swings, tiredness, panic attacks, feeling of guilt and hopelessness, anger, anxiety, uncontrollable crying, isolating from friends and family, insomnia, thoughts of death, harming yourself, or harming your baby, and a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed. Learn more from WomensHealth.gov.