Postpartum depression and baby blues. How to recognize and overcome the emotional challenges of motherhood

Baby blues is a state of emotional instability after childbirth. What baby blues is — a question faced by most women in the first weeks of motherhood.

Honestly, that phrase makes me a little less irritated than “abusive”…. everything is just too much hyped, too much misdirected, too little understood.

Further CDC data 1 out of 10 women experience postpartum clinical depression (one or more episodes of exacerbation up to a year of the infant’s life), which means that this is a real diagnosis requiring medication and follow-up with a psychiatrist.

Symptoms of baby blues and postpartum depression: main postpartum depression symptoms to pay attention to:

• tearfulness,

• chronic feelings of fatigue and emptiness,

• sleep without relief or insomnia,

• increased anxiety, loss of appetite,

• loss of concentration,

• weight gain or loss,

• rage attacks,

• guilt about not being a good enough mom….

Now tell me, what birthing woman hasn’t experienced this enchanting kaleidoscope of emotions and states? – so why not everyone goes to a psychiatrist… in order below.

Causes of baby blues

1. Childbirth – it is a stress for the body, though laid down by nature, but stress. It is normal to feel different, to worry about it and not to find the strength to control your emotions at first! Your life has changed forever and for your family too. You are meeting a new person, you are being introduced to new roles in life. It’s normal to feel anxious about this. Agree with your loved ones to give you time, you are entitled to it

2. In labor, blood is lost, a storm of hormones attacks, and then still your body has to readjust to “lactation” mode. That’s why it’s so important to recover after. The rules are simple, after 6-8 weeks examination + ultrasound and cytology. Take blood for OAC, Ferritin, TTG and Vitamin D 25-OH. Why? If these parameters are not normal, recovery will take longer. It is difficult for the body to find strength when iron is insufficient. When all organs and tissues are in oxygen starvation, with the thyroid gland is the same, it suffers, about vitamin D in general song, we give the baby, but for yourself why … To make any diagnosis, you must first exclude these factors.

3. No help and support. At the very least, not everyone can currently afford to stay on maternity leave for the full term, and it is during this period that depression during maternity leave often goes unnoticed. And the desire to be a supermom does not allow you to ask for help or admit weakness. And when it’s not your first child… “you’ve had two” how is it that you don’t know something or can’t do something”. Long story short, if someone can help you, accept it immediately and give yourself an hour of sleep. Insomnia is a very dangerous trigger for depression

Women with a history of infertility, with births before 37 weeks, teen moms, a history of complicated births, or if the baby was hospitalized afterwards are at higher risk of developing depression

Also, a seven-year study showed that 4% of men in the role of a father experience depression in the first year of the baby’s life — postpartum depression in men is a real problem, and up to 12 years such conditions can occur in every 5th father one or even several times. And more susceptible to young fathers, those who have depression occurred earlier or with difficult domestic trials

The best way to determine if this is really depression that needs to be treated or just a period when you need to give yourself time to recover is to talk to your doctor about it, get tested using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, never interpret it on your own, but only together with your doctor and seek additional help if necessary.

When treatment is needed and what it can be

Not every emotional crisis after childbirth requires medication. But if the condition lasts longer than 3–4 weeks, worsens or interferes with living fully and caring for the child — this is already a reason to seek professional help
Postpartum depression treatment is always selected individually, since every woman has her own health status, pregnancy history and personal circumstances. It can include several directions:

• psychotherapy — most often cognitive-behavioral or supportive. Working with a specialist helps to deal with anxious thoughts, feelings of guilt, fears and emotional exhaustion;
• psychiatrist consultations, who evaluates the depth of the depressive state and determines the optimal treatment strategy;
• medication therapy — if necessary. Modern antidepressants can be selected to be compatible with breastfeeding and not harm the child;
• correction of physical causes: treatment of anemia, iron deficiency, vitamin D, thyroid disorders, which often worsen depressive symptoms;

It is important to remember: consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist is not a sign of weakness. It is the same step of self-care as visiting a gynecologist or therapist. Timely help allows faster restoration of emotional balance and enjoying motherhood.

Role of relatives: how family can help

The postpartum period is a challenge not only for the woman, but for the whole family. Very often it is the atmosphere at home that determines whether the mother can recover easily or, on the contrary, will sink into fatigue and despair
Relatives can really change the situation if:

• they do not devalue experiences with words like «everyone had it», «you will outgrow it», «nothing serious»;
• take on part of the household chores — cooking, cleaning, caring for older children;
• give the woman the opportunity to sleep at least a few hours in a row;
• pay attention to her emotional state and do not criticize for tears or fatigue;
• help if necessary to make an appointment with a doctor, accompany to the consultation;

Sometimes the most valuable thing a close person can do is simply say: “You are not alone. We will manage together”.
Family support is one of the strongest protective factors that can prevent the development of severe depression.

Practical self-help steps for the mother

Even if the emotional state is difficult, there are simple daily actions that can significantly ease well-being. They do not replace treatment, but help to go through a difficult period more gently
Try:

• allow yourself rest without feeling guilty — caring for yourself does not make you a «bad mother»;
• clearly distribute responsibilities among family members, do not try to carry everything alone;
• go for a short walk in the fresh air at least once a day;
• do not be ashamed to ask for help — it is not weakness, but a sign of adult responsibility;
• follow a nutrition and drinking regimen, even if appetite is almost absent;
• find a small «island for yourself»: a warm shower, a few pages of a favorite book, 20 minutes of sleep, a calm conversation with a friend;

And most importantly — remember: you have the right to be tired, confused and imperfect. Motherhood does not make a person a robot.

Worrisome «red flags» that cannot be ignored

There are situations when waiting for it to «pass by itself» is already dangerous. Some symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Be sure to seek help if you experience:

• constant thoughts of your own worthlessness or the pointlessness of life;
• intrusive fantasies about harming yourself or the child;
• feeling completely emotionally detached from the baby;
• repeated panic attacks that do not pass;
• complete lack of sleep for several days in a row;
• sharp mood swings with uncontrolled aggression or deep despair;
• refusal to eat, care for yourself, complete apathy;

These manifestations have nothing to do with a «bad character» or «mother’s whims». This is a medical condition that requires professional treatment. The earlier a woman receives help — the faster and easier she recovers.

Conclusion

The postpartum period is not only a time of joy from the birth of a child, but also a serious physical and emotional challenge for the woman. Baby blues and postpartum depression are real conditions that can affect any mother, regardless of age, experience or life circumstances.

It is important to remember: emotional difficulties after childbirth are not a sign of weakness, not «whims» and not a failure in the role of a mother. It is a natural reaction of the body to huge changes, hormonal restructuring and a new rhythm of life. In most cases, support from relatives, rest and time help to return to balance. But if the condition persists or worsens — seeking professional help is the best and most responsible decision

Timely consultation with a doctor, correction of possible deficiencies, psychotherapy or if necessary medication support allows effectively overcoming postpartum depression and feeling the joy of motherhood again
Do not stay alone with your experiences. Caring for your own mental health is one of the most important steps on the way to a harmonious and happy life with your child