Postpartum Depression

Mood changes post partum

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🛑 Having a baby can bring about a whole lot of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety.

🛑 It can also result in something you might not expect to happen after such an amazing event ( depression)

🛑 Quite a number of new mothers experience the "postpartum baby blues" after childbirth

🛑This usually is experienced as mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

🛑 Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.

🛑 Some new moms can experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

🛑 Rarely an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.

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Symptoms of baby blues

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🛑 Mood swings

🛑 Anxiety

🛑 Irritability

🛑 Feeling overwhelmed

🛑 Crying

🛑 Reduced concentration

🛑 Appetite problems

🛑 Trouble sleeping

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Symptoms of post partum depression

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🛑 Postpartum depression can be mistaken for baby blues at first , but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer

🛑These symptoms eventually affect your ability to care for your baby and handle other things you do daily.

🛑 Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth. It may akso begin later ( up to six months after birth) .

💥Symptoms may include:

🛑 Depressed mood or severe mood swings

🛑 Excessive crying

🛑 Difficulty bonding with your baby

🛑 Withdrawing from family and friends

🛑Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual

🛑Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

🛑Feeling very tired or the feeling of having no energy at all

🛑 Loss of interest or less interest in things you used to enjoy before having your baby

🛑 Getting very angry or irritable

🛑 Fear that you're not a good mother

🛑 Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or not being good enough

🛑 Inability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions like you used to

🛑 Severe anxiety and panic attacks

🛑Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

🛑Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

❗Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

❗See a doctor if symptoms:

❌ Don't fade after two weeks

❌ Are getting worse

❌ Make it hard for you to care for your baby

❌ Make it hard to complete everyday tasks

❌ Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

❗ Get as much help as needed post partum and spend time with people who have your interest at heart

❗Let your obgyn know how you're feeling should you feel unwell anytime during the 6 week period post partum. He or she will know how to help you.

❗ Always remember, it's ok to admit that you're not ok and ask for help. We won't judge you for that.

♦️ Be nice to people who have just had a baby. They might be at the lowest point of their lives.