So what is postnatal depression? What are its symptoms? How long does it last? What are the ways to overcome this depression? Let’s examine together.

What is Postnatal Depression?

Mothers who have just given birth are called puerpera. The period, which lasts for about 6 weeks or approximately 42 days after childbirth, is defined as the postpartum period. This period is when the bond between mother and baby is established, the baby and the mother get used to each other, and the mother’s body needs time to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Therefore, many women may find this period challenging due to environmental, biological, and psychological factors.

In some cases, a mother may exhibit symptoms of depression during the postpartum period. Conditions that are more severe than postpartum blues are called postpartum depression or postnatal depression. While postpartum blues occur in 70-80% of women who give birth, postnatal depression can occur in approximately 20% of them.

What Are the Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression differs from the mild depressive state experienced after pregnancy with some symptoms. This depressive state is also called postpartum or baby blues. In the presence of postpartum blues, some mood changes are observed in almost every woman due to the rapid hormonal changes in the early days of childbirth, and these are considered normal. This blues mostly encompasses the responsibilities of motherhood, concerns about the baby, and the unhappiness that comes from the changes after childbirth. However, this condition is temporary. If the process continues and the following symptoms are observed, postnatal depression may be considered. Symptoms of postnatal depression:

• Severe sadness
• Numbness
• Irritability
• Sudden crying spells
• Sudden outbursts of anger
• Feeling worthless
• Lack of energy
• General body aches
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Complaints
• Depressive mood
• Feeling inadequate
• Lack of interest in caring for the baby
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased appetite and overeating
• Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
• Panic attacks
• Inability to enjoy life
• Feeling guilty
• Desire to exclude oneself from social life
• Thoughts of harming the baby
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

Causes of Postnatal Depression

There may be various reasons for postnatal depression. We can divide the reasons as follows:

• Emotional fluctuations due to the sudden drop in pregnancy hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, after pregnancy (Biological reasons)
• Mother’s genetic predisposition, problems between partners, early pregnancy, birth trauma, traumatic events from the past, financial problems, unwanted pregnancy, intense stress or depression before pregnancy, having other children at home, not receiving adequate support from family members (Psychosocial reasons)

How Long Does Postnatal Depression Last?

Postnatal depression usually begins in the first weeks after childbirth. The period between the 2nd and 8th weeks after childbirth is when baby blues can turn into a full-fledged depression. The effects of depression can last up to 1 year if left untreated. Therefore, the treatment is of great importance, as this condition can lead to different psychological problems in the future.

Treatment of Postnatal Depression

The following treatment methods are used for postnatal depression:

• Psychotherapy
• Antidepressant medication
• Antipsychotic medication

Psychotherapy is the most commonly used method, and it is generally sufficient for the treatment of depression. The use of medication is much rarer. However, if medication is necessary, the doctor can use alternative options suitable for breastfeeding mothers.

What to Do About Postnatal Depression?

To prevent postnatal depression or to support postnatal depression treatment, some methods can be applied. The ways to overcome postnatal depression are as follows:

• First of all, be sure to support the mother. Spouses and close relatives, especially during the postpartum period, should not leave the mother alone and should make her feel that they are there for her.
• Help the mother with baby care. Especially mothers who give birth to their first child may worry about baby care and feel overwhelmed by the burden of motherhood. You should alleviate this situation.
• Help the mother with household chores as well as baby care. Share the burden with the mother as much as possible.
• Try to create time for the mother to have personal time.
• Ensure that the mother sleeps or rests when the baby sleeps.
• Limit visitors during the postpartum period.
• Spouses need to spend time together so that the postpartum mother can feel herself as she used to besides being a mother. Plan activities that can elevate the mother’s mood, such as a romantic dinner, a movie date, spending time alone, etc.
• The spouse should be sensitive to the mother and show that their love and interest in her have not changed. This way, the feeling of worthlessness in the mother can be eliminated.
• During this period, the mother should pay attention to her diet. Especially, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• Take a regular walk or exercise for at least 15 minutes every day. Simple exercises that do not strain the body can also be included.
• Most importantly, do not hesitate to seek support from a specialist if there are symptoms.

Postnatal depression can be experienced at different durations and severities from person to person. It should not be forgotten that this condition is a disorder, and the mother should not be burdened too much. The significant changes experienced can be difficult for the mother to accept. However, the mother should be made to feel that she can overcome this situation and should be supported at all times.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyous occasion filled with excitement, wonder, and anticipation. However, amidst the euphoria of childbirth, many new mothers experience what is commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” This temporary emotional state, often characterised by feelings of sadness, mood swings, and anxiety, is a normal part of the postpartum period that affects a significant number of women.

The baby blues typically begin a few days after giving birth and can last for up to two weeks. During this time, mothers may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, weepy, and emotionally fragile. They may experience sudden bouts of crying for no apparent reason, feel irritable or anxious, and struggle to cope with the demands of caring for a newborn.

It’s important to understand that the baby blues are not the same as postnatal depression, although the two conditions share some similarities. Unlike postnatal depression, which is a more severe and long-lasting form of mood disorder, the baby blues are generally short-lived and less intense in nature. While postnatal depression requires professional intervention and treatment, the baby blues typically resolve on their own without medical intervention.

What Causes The Baby Blues?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to the hormonal fluctuations that occur after childbirth. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes to support the growing fetus. After giving birth, there is a rapid decrease in hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which can affect mood regulation and contribute to feelings of sadness and emotional instability.

In addition to hormonal changes, other factors may also play a role in the development of the baby blues. The physical and emotional challenges of childbirth, lack of sleep, fatigue, and adjusting to the demands of motherhood can all contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm in new mothers. Furthermore, the pressures of societal expectations, coupled with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity about one’s ability to care for a newborn, can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of the baby blues is the first step towards managing and coping with this common postpartum experience. Some common symptoms include:

1. Mood swings
2. Feelings of sadness or tearfulness
3. Anxiety or irritability
4. Fatigue or exhaustion
5. Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
6. Changes in appetite
7. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
8. Feelings of guilt or inadequacy as a mother

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. 

What Should be Done about Baby Blues?

Talking to your partner, family members, or friends about how you’re feeling can provide emotional support and reassurance during this challenging time. It’s also essential to take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities that help you relax and unwind.

In addition to seeking support from loved ones, joining a new mothers’ support group or attending postnatal classes can connect you with other women who are going through similar experiences. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly validating and empowering.

Self-care practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, and taking regular walks can also help alleviate symptoms of the baby blues and promote emotional well-being. Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate this transitional period in your life.

It’s important to note that while the baby blues are a common and normal experience for many new mothers, they should not be ignored or dismissed. If your symptoms persist beyond two weeks or become more severe, it may be a sign of postnatal depression, which requires professional intervention and treatment.

If you’re concerned about your mental health or are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional for support and guidance. They can offer valuable resources, support, and treatment options to help you overcome the baby blues and enjoy this special time with your new baby.

Ten Signs of Postnatal Depression:

1. Inability to smile or see the funny side of things
2. Not being able to look forward to the future with enthusiasm
3. Blaming yourself unnecessarily when things go wrong
4. Feeling anxious or worried without any reason
5. Feeling fearful or panicked without a good reason
6. Feeling overwhelmed by everything
7. Being so unhappy that you have difficulty sleeping
8. Feeling sad or down
9. Crying frequently due to unhappiness
10. Thinking about harming yourself

It is known that during pregnancy, women experience physical, emotional, and social changes, and compared to many other events, this period causes much greater changes. If there is emotional distress lasting more than 2 weeks after childbirth, postnatal depression may be experienced.

Does premature birth increase the risk of postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression can manifest as excessive crying, irritability, guilt, lack of interest in the baby, changes in eating and sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, and thoughts of harming the baby or oneself.

Postnatal depression is a condition that causes serious distress and significantly reduces the quality of life for both the mother and the baby. Mothers may exhibit behaviours such as feeling incompetent or inadequate in coping with their babies, getting lost in deep thoughts, losing interest in usual activities, feeling worthless, and excessively worrying about the baby’s health. Especially, premature birth creates a risky situation for depression. Special support should be provided to both the premature baby and the mother in case of premature birth.

In the case of the postnatal depression, it is essential for the mother to feel adequate family support. Partners, especially, need to support their spouses intensively and actively participate in the process.