Postpartum Depression

New Class: The Basics on Postpartum Depression

Call for upcoming class dates and times! This class for new moms and their loved ones focuses on the facts and myths about postpartum depression, who is at risk, how it’s diagnosed and how to help yourself or a loved one. Held at the Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street. Cost is $5. Call 814/866-4817 to see when the next post-partum depression class is being held.

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

Pregnancy and having a baby can be a joyous time in a woman’s life. However, some mothers feel sad or overwhelmed and may experience crying spells and mood swings after the birth of their baby. These emotions may be normal “baby blues”. The “baby blues” typically begin about the third or fourth day after delivery and may come and go over the first year, but they don’t last long. Having the “baby blues” is common – more than half of all new mothers experience this.

Postpartum Depression If your feelings of sadness last longer than a week after your baby is born, you should call your health care provider because you might be experiencing postpartum depression, which is a serious problem affecting about 9-16% of women. Postpartum depression does not go away on its own and tends to get worse without proper treatment. If untreated, it can affect your baby, too.

Postpartum depression affects women in many different ways. Following is a list of the most common symptoms:

Feeling hopeless or sad most of the time
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Feelings of increased irritability or high levels of anxiety
Sleeping or eating too much or too little
Having no energy and not enjoying things that used to fun to you
Feelings of loneliness or thinking others don’t like you
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Withdrawal from family and friends
Unable to “get going” or feeling like everything is an effort
Difficulty focusing or recalling things
Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Psychological treatment and antidepressants are often used in combination. Psychological treatment alone may be used for those who are breastfeeding, if their symptoms are not severe. Support networks can be helpful, too.
Things you can do:

Ask for help from your husband, family, friends or neighbors, even if it is for small tasks like minor chores or help running errands. Caring for a baby is hard work! Don’t try to be a Super Mom!
Get as much rest as possible
Eat a balanced diet
Don’t spend too much time alone – spend time with your husband, share your experiences with other mothers of newborns
Take time for yourself!
Get out of the house! Get dressed everyday, run errands or go for a walk around the block
Don’t make any big life changes during your pregnancy or directly after.

If you are thinking of hurting your baby, yourself, or others, or if you are having trouble taking care of yourself or your baby, get immediate help.

If you need help, or you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression, call your health care provider/doctor or call the National Postpartum Depression hotline at 1-800-PPD-MOMS (773-6667). You may wish to call your insurance company for a list of providers. If you are interested in talking to a psychologist, call Gay Lipchik, Ph.D., of Saint Vincent Health Psychology Services, at 814/454-4885.