Postpartum Depression

An excerpt from my book, “The No-B.S. Guide to Breastfeeding. Advice to the New Mom from an Experienced Lactation Consultant”

Depression is a terrible illness. Just when a mom figures she should be happiest, she is riddled with thoughts of guilt, loneliness, insecurity, loss of control, anxiety, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.

There are varying degrees of depression, but after a mom gives birth, we tend to categorize them by how long these periods last and to what degree they affect the mom. These are illnesses that need to be taken seriously. Anyone who suspects someone she knows is suffering needs to get the person medical help. They cannot snap out of it like society tends to think they can. They are not weak, poor mothers or crazy,…they just need help.

The first depression is called the postpartum blues.

This is common in most moms, especially new parents. They will be weepy, and their mood changes will be dramatic. It is a temporary mood disorder as a result of massive hormonal shifting from pregnancy to a nonpregnant state. It usually occurs in the first week after birth and lasts a few days. Most people are aware of this and can help the mother cope with her tears, mixed feelings, and new role as a mother.

When the feelings of sadness don’t resolve over time and are still there with no improvement, a couple of weeks into motherhood, we usually call this postpartum depression.