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There are several types of mood disorders associated with the postpartum phase of pregnancy and childbirth: postpartum blues, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. According to statistics provided in Women’s Health and Psychiatry (2002, page 127), fifty to eighty-five percent of mothers experience the postpartum blues, or “baby blues,” following the birth of a child. Ten to fifteen percent of mothers will descend into the shadow of postpartum depression, and one in five hundred will experience postpartum psychosis. These risks and symptoms are similar for moms who adopt. Rest assured that there is hope, there is support, and there is no reason to hide behind a wall of shame. Risk Factors- Current situation
- Past experiences (infertility, loss, past trauma)
- Family history
- Physical/hormonal
- Complications during pregnancy and/or childbirth
- Lack of support
- History of depression or anxiety
- Perfectionist tendencies
Symptoms| | Baby Blues | PPD/PAD | PPP | Common Onset | Peaks at about one week | By 6 weeks but can occur anytime within first year * | Sudden and extreme onset *** | Duration | 2-3 weeks**** | Depends on treatment but usually resolves within months | Can be ongoing or episodic | Sleep | Some change in sleep patterns apart from infant care | Inability to sleep
Constant sleeping | Insomnia and sleep disturbances | Weight | Not impacted | Significant gain or loss | Significant gain or loss | Thoughts
(Intrusive Thoughts are disturbing, illogical thoughts.) | Some IT’s that are quickly recognized as illogical and then dismissed | Varying inability to control or stop IT’s | Delusions
Hallucinations
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts | Concentration | Forgetfulness
Distraction | Forgetfulness
Distraction
Inability to think logically | Illogical choices
Confusion
Disordered thought patterns | Mood | Mood swings
Irritable
Anxious | Angry
Sad
Extremely anxious | Severe depression | Feelings | Concern about self but not extreme guilt about feelings | Guilt
Irrational fears**
Hopelessness | Extreme fears or lack of any fears | Behavior | Tearful
Sensitive | Tearful
Hypersensitive
Lethargic
Manic/”hyper”
Loss of interest in others or usual activities | Blackouts
Can (but may not) exhibit strange behaviors | *Specific times in the postpartum period are more likely to see the onset of PPD specifically: the first week after delivery; start of menstrual cycle; end of breastfeeding.
**Common fears include the dark, the end of the day when others go home, including doctors, and fear of being alone.
***Should not be left alone. Immediate medical attention required.
****Some sources indicate that baby blues can last up to 6 weeks. |
Symptoms to watch for and seek IMMEDIATE help with are panic attacks and thoughts of self-harm or harming others. No one should take any chances with these symptoms, as they are NEVER normal baby blues. If a mom is afraid of saying her thoughts for fear of her child being taken, then she could say something like this: "I'm having bad thoughts and need help." No need to disclose the thoughts to random people, but there is a need to get help. It needs to be understood that these types of thoughts are the illness speaking, not the woman. Women with any of these conditions (including baby blues) are NOT to blame and need immediate active support...both emotional and physical. Bring a meal, clean her toilet, do her dishes, or take her baby(s) out for a walk so she can nap. Send a card, call her daily or weekly, PRAY for her. Be there for her and listen. But do not ignore her. If you suspect you may be experiencing any of these disorders, it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional immediately. The information presented here is not medical advice and is not to be taken as such. The best treatment includes a combination of medication and talk therapy. At home, it is important to get lots of rest and always ask for help and prayer support, among other things.
Compiled by Tara Mock & Suzanne Drapeau
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