| While the birth of a new baby is a happy occasion, | | | | depression seek help immediately, and that close |
| many women experience post partum depression | | | | family members are alerted to the problem. It is |
| within two years after the birth of a baby. Although | | | | essential that a baby bond wit his or her mother at an |
| 80% of parents have what is called "baby blues," | | | | early age, and since post partum depression can |
| which is characterized by occasional tearfulness and | | | | interfere with bonding, a mother should seek treatment |
| feeling overwhelmed, these moods are temporary, and | | | | for the problem. |
| are not actual post partum depression. The symptoms | | | | Just the circumstances involved in having a baby can |
| of post partum depression are quite similar to those of | | | | set a woman up for post partum depression, |
| regular depression, except that post- partum | | | | especially if she has a predisposition for depression or |
| depression deals with the specific circumstance of | | | | a history of the problem. Since babies often wake up |
| having a baby. While it is said that some men | | | | in the middle of the night and demand constant care |
| experience post partum depression as well as women, | | | | and attention, the extreme pressure and sleep |
| 5 to 25% of mothers will experience post partum | | | | deprivation takes a toll on a woman who might already |
| depression at some point of their lives. Those who | | | | be vulnerable. Other factors such as an absent |
| have a history of depression or are in certain | | | | spouse, a recent divorce, financial strain, and alienation |
| circumstances are more likely to experience post | | | | from relatives increase the likelihood of post partum |
| partum depression than other mothers. There are | | | | depression. It is for this reason that a support system |
| many treatment options available for the problem, but | | | | for a new mother is essential for her health and the |
| women who are breastfeeding may not be able to | | | | health of her baby. |
| take certain medications. Doctors may prescribe | | | | Some women have traumatic births that give them |
| alternative treatments. | | | | symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as well as |
| The signs of post partum depression are similar to | | | | post partum depression. If the mother is suffering from |
| other types of depression. Sadness is a symptom but | | | | a trauma, she might have flashbacks to the event or |
| it is not like ordinary sadness or moodiness. Negative | | | | nightmares, may dread discussing it or returning to the |
| thoughts become obsessive and are characterized by | | | | place where she gave birth. She may feel alienated |
| feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. The mother | | | | from her infant as the result of her trauma. This form |
| feels as if she is trapped, and at the same time, | | | | of post partum depression is quite serious, and may |
| experiences unjustified guilt feelings and low-self | | | | require that someone else, like a spouse or a parent, |
| esteem. She may sleep very little or excessively, and | | | | take over the role of primary carer of the baby while |
| her eating patterns may change dramatically. She may | | | | the woman received the help she needs. |
| neglect personal hygiene and have a feeling that she | | | | Juliet Cohen writes articles for depression treatment |
| may harm herself or her baby. It is very important that | | | | and depression clinic. |
| a woman who is suffering from post partum | | | | |