We need to open the conversation. We need to open the conversation about postpartum depression. So, we are opening it today, and with one message – you are not alone, you are not failing as a mother, and there are things that can help.
These beliefs about postpartum depression are ones that I have held dear to my heart since becoming a mom ten years ago, and it was both validating and inspiring to hear this same message coming from a nurse practitioner at Monarch Healthcare. Heidi Gregersen, FNP-C sees patients for everything from annual gynecology appointments to prenatal care and beyond. But she is especially passionate about caring for a mother’s needs during that postpartum year. As a mother to four girls and two step-sons, she knows first-hand the effects that postpartum depression can have on a mom and the whole family. We are thrilled to share her expertise and important reminders.
“10% of women are diagnosed with postpartum depression and 80% report feeling the baby blues. Postpartum depression is a true medical condition – it isn’t a personal failure.”
With such a high percentage of moms experiencing a form of the baby blues, how do we know if our symptoms indicate postpartum depression?
The baby blues commonly surface within a few days of delivery and resolve in 2-4 weeks. They are mild feelings of depression, sadness, weepiness, and just not feeling yourself. The feelings come and go, and often times, a nap makes you feel better. Baby blues are a fairly normal side effect of the huge transition in both your life and body.
Postpartum depression symptoms can surface at any time from birth to about 1 year. It could be more than the baby blues when symptoms last more than a couple of weeks. Sleep patterns or weight changes that aren’t quite normal for your stage of postpartum could be a sign. For example, inability to sleep, being tired even after a full night’s sleep or weight gain due to self-comforting with food, or weight loss because of loss of appetite. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness all the time, and not finding joy in things you normally would, may be signs of postpartum depression as well. It’s a good idea to talk with a doctor if you are having trouble bonding with the baby – such as a lack of interaction when the baby fusses or not feeling a strong attachment. A mother with depression may feel worthless or have irrational guilt. Decreased concentration or inability to make decisions are, also, things that a new mother should talk through with their doctor.
These symptoms are in no way a sign of failure as a mother. They are signs of a very real medical condition that your doctor can help with!
So, what can we do? As moms, friends, sisters… what can we do to help each other and help ourselves when we notice these symptoms?
- Be honest with your doctor at your postpartum appointments. You are not failing as a mom, and your doctor can help. At Monarch Healthcare, every mom receives a postpartum depression screener at their 6-week follow-up appointment. This simple tool serves as a way of opening the conversation in a supportive way.
- If we notice any of the above symptoms in a mom, be supportive. Let her know it’s okay to not be okay and encourage her to chat with her doctor.
- Encourage her to spend time with friends or offer to watch the baby so she can have some time for herself.
What treatment options and supports are available to moms with postpartum depression?
Counseling, medication, or a combination of both are available to treat this condition. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment that fits your needs. There are anti-depressants that are safe during breastfeeding, but you’ll want to work with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage.
Reminders for moms with postpartum depression:
- This is out of your control. This is a medical condition with treatment options to help you get back to feeling like yourself.
- This is not a failure. You are not failing as a mother or as a woman.
- Having postpartum depression is not a reflection of your parenting or “toughness.”
By sharing this information, Monarch Healthcare and Idaho Falls Moms Blog hope to help remove the stigma that may be associated with postpartum depression.
There is no judgment.
You are not failing.
You are an amazing mother and taking care of your mental health is the best way to prove that.
