Baby Blues or Something More?

The baby blues, feeling sad and a little overwhelmed after having a baby is a real thing that most moms experience. Even more than that, the baby blues, also known as postpartum depression, are a much bigger problem than most mamas care to admit. Thousands of women are silently suffering from postpartum depression and don't recognize the symptoms or are too scared or embarrassed to speak up.

During pregnancy the body is making huge amounts of estrogen and progesterone, it's like taking 100 plus birth control pills a day. After delivery these levels rapidly drop and are close to non-pregnant numbers within a few days after birth. This extreme drop, along with lack of sleep and increased responsibilities can really throw a mom's emotions out of whack!

Signs of postpartum depression include feeling down or depressed most of the day for several days or weeks, feeling deeply overwhelmed or worried, experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, feeling distant or withdrawn from friends and family, not being interested in eating/drinking or doing activities that are normally enjoyed, feeling angry or irritable, extreme tiredness, or changes in sleep habits. In extreme cases mom may think about hurting herself or her baby.

The absolute first step in managing postpartum depression is recognition and asking for help. You are not alone, your doctor or midwife needs to know what you are feeling. Many times just talking with someone can relieve the major symptoms of depression. 

The postpartum period is a time full of new joys and experiences and is a very exciting time in a mother and family's life. However, with sudden changes in hormones and outside factors at work, it can also be a scary, isolating time for mothers. These feelings do not have to rob the joy from your postpartum period. Be open about what you're feeling and asking for help from your spouse, family, and care provider, you are not alone on an island. Historically the women of the world learned the new lessons of motherhood together, not in isolation, today should be no different.

Crystal Uptain is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who works out of Holmes Family Medicine in Millersburg, Ohio. She is a mother of two who is passionate about educating and empowering women to take control of their healthcare.