The Realities of Postpartum Depression

Whether you’re having your first kid or your fourth, motherhood isn’t always easy, and even on the best days, it can be overwhelming and stressful. And if you’re a spouse, you may not fully understand the sheer magnitude of carrying a baby in your body for nine months, despite all your effort to support your partner. But Hancock Health is here to make things a little easier for you, and the mom in your life, as you navigate your journey through parenthood.

Bringing a new baby into your home can cause a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect—depression.

After childbirth, it isn’t uncommon for new moms to experience postpartum “baby blues,” which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first two to three days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.

But some moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Sometimes it’s called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after childbirth. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.

Postpartum depression is not a weakness, a flaw, or anything to be ashamed of. Sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

And, while postpartum depression is most common in new mothers, fathers can experience this too. If you’re a partner of a new mother and are having symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner’s pregnancy or after your child’s birth, talk to your healthcare provider. Similar treatments and support provided to mothers with postpartum depression can help treat the same symptoms  in the other parent.

It can be difficult to admit you are feeling depressed after having your baby. The people in your life are likely so excited to help you welcome your little one into the world, that it may feel like you’re “bringing down the mood” with your feelings. But whether you are the one who carried the baby, or you helped your partner through the pregnancy, you’ve endured a lot, and it can take a toll on your mental and physical health. If you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your primary health care provider or your obstetrician or gynecologist and schedule an appointment. 

It’s important to call your provider as soon as possible if the symptoms of depression have any of these features:

There is no shame at all in needing help—and your loved ones, and Hancock Health, are here to help you through it. Find a provider at Hancock Health who can help you and your spouse today.