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Postpartum support involves receiving specialized professional help. First, it is important to understand exactly what you are experiencing. Second, it is important to know that you will get better! You can stop blaming yourself because this is not your fault. Women who go through any kind of postpartum adjustment period improve more quickly when they get help. I offer support, education and counseling to address your emotional needs.
IS WHAT I AM FEELING NORMAL?
Baby Blues
The Baby Blues affects about 80% of postpartum women. Some of the feelings include sadness, irritability, anxiety and can come and go throughout the day. The Baby Blues can last about 2 weeks after the delivery of your baby. It is important to note that the Baby Blues resolves on its own and does not need formal treatment.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression affects approximately 15% of new moms. It is the #1 complication of childbirth! Postpartum Depression can emerge and persist throughout the first year after delivery. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed below, you may be suffering from more than the baby blues. Please know that Postpartum Depression is very treatable and getting the help you need will get you on the road to recovery and back to feeling like the competent, whole, powerful woman you are!
Symptoms include:
- Crying spells/Feeling sad throughout the day
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious (constantly worrying)
- Experiencing irritability, anger, or rage
- Having scary and intrusive thoughts
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities
- Difficulties sleeping or sleeping too much
- Lack of energy/motivation
- Excessive weight gain or loss
- Feeling hopeless about the future
- Loss of sex drive
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Excessive worrying about the baby’s health/schedule
- Missing doctor’s appointments for mom or baby
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
There are many factors to consider when understanding the causes of Postpartum Depression which include psychological, social, and biological stressors. During pregnancy there are increases of hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) and after pregnancy these hormone levels quickly come back down. This fluctuation can lead to emotional reactions in some women. The most important thing to remember is that nothing you did caused you to feel this way.
Risk Factors
Please note that the following list does not cause PPD. Identifying with any of these things means there is a stronger possibility of developing PPD.
- Personal or family history of a mental illness (including previous episode with PPD)
- Your view or partner’s view of pregnancy as an unhappy event
- Pregnancy loss (including abortion)
- Loss of child
- History of severe PMS
- Lack of support system
- Relationship problems with partner
- Tendency to be a perfectionist
- Tendency to take on too much and not ask for help
- Medical complications during pregnancy or after delivery
- Colicky baby
- Financial stress
- Exhaustion
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