Postpartum Depression

The number one complication of childbirth is depression. That's the word from a recent publication from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The following text is taken from that publication and is represented here in the sincere hope that a woman finding herself having some of these sensations will find help as a result of the contents. 

 “I never thought I’d feel this way.”
 “I feel like the worst mother in the world.”

It’s normal to go through an adjustment period after childbirth – new mothers experience many different emotions. Women anticipate feelings of happiness with the birth of their babies. But many new mothers are surprised by other common feelings such as sadness, anger, fear or anxiety. 

Up to 75 per cent of new mothers experience the “baby blues”. The baby blues are part of the adjustment to childbirth and usually begin a few days after birth and often go away on their own by two weeks. 

During the baby blues women may feel weepy, overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, fatigued and have trouble sleeping. If these feelings don’t go away or they get worse you may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. 

If you are having scary thoughts or fears about harming your baby or yourself, talk to someone immediately.  

How do I know if I have postpartum depression or anxiety? If you have been experiencing any of the following for two weeks or more, or if these things make it difficult for you to care for yourself or your baby, it is important to talk to a health care provider. Only a qualified healthcare provider can make a diagnosis. 
• strong feelings of sadness or emptiness 
• feeling hopeless or worthless 
• can’t stop crying 
• constant fatigue, even after resting 
• trouble falling asleep or want to sleep all the time 
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions 
• loss of interest in activities and relationships you usually enjoy 
• little or no interest or pleasure in your baby 
• changes in your appetite or weight 
• irritable or angry much of the time 
• feeling resentful towards your baby 
• feel very anxious, trapped, overwhelmed or out of control 
• constant worry about your baby’s health or safety 
• racing or repetitive thoughts that cause you anxiety 
• afraid to be alone with your baby

Postpartum depression is treatable.  Counselling, support and medication are helpful in treating  postpartum depression and anxiety. A health care provider can help you find the right supports and services for your situation. You can also learn daily strategies to cope with the feelings and symptoms you are experiencing.

Family and friends that are supporting a new mother might see these signs or feel that something isn’t quite right. Talk to the new mother about how she’s feeling. Increase the support she is getting: give her a break
from the baby, help out with chores and give her reassurance that she will feel better.  Encourage her to talk to a health care provider as soon as possible.

You are not alone. Many women suffer in silence because they fear being seen as a bad mother or worry that their baby will be taken away. It is important to remember that postpartum depression can affect any new
mother. It is not your fault. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll be feeling better.

For more information visit:
www.postpartum.org
www.postpartum.net

Where to get help:

• Talk to your Public Health Nurse
   (call 204-926-7000 to find your
   Public Health Nurse)
• Talk to your doctor, midwife or other
   healthcare provider (If you do not have a
   doctor call the Family Doctor Connection
   Program at 204-786-7111)
• For information about resources and
   supports call the Women’s Health Clinic
   Mothers Program at 947-2422 ext. 113 or
   visit womenshealthclinic.org
• If you are having thoughts of harming
   yourself or your baby, or are in crisis:
   Go to the WRHA Crisis Response Centre
   at 817 Bannatyne Avenue or call
   WRHA Mobile Crisis Service at
   204-940-1781(24 hours/7 days a week)
• Call the Klinic Community Health
   Centre Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days a week)
   at 204-786-8686
• Call the Manitoba Suicide Line
   (24 hours/7 days a week) at
   1-877-435-7170
• If you need help finding resources
   call Health Links-Info Santé at
   204-788-8200 or visit the Postpartum
   Depression Association of Manitoba
   website at www.ppdmanitoba.ca