Every year in the U.S. alone, there are over 3 million births (CDC, 2016). Many of the women who give birth are new mothers. They partake in the beautiful miracle of life that keeps humans in existence. But, unfortunately, with the beauty of life come potential risks, dangers and side effects. One of the side effects that affect a lot of new mothers, as well as regular mothers, are the postpartum “baby blues”. Approximately 70% of women experience the “baby blues” symptoms (Nauert, 2010). These symptoms usually occur within the first couple of days after giving birth and typically last from 10 to 14 days (Shaw, 2008). While some mothers experience the “baby blues”, 12% of women go on to develop postpartum depression (PPD) (Shaw, 2008). Postpartum depression is a more serious form of the “baby blues” and can last up to months. Postpartum depression is more sever and, eventually, interferes with a woman’s ability to function. If postpartum depression is not treated, it can turn into a more severe, rare, depression called postpartum psychosis. Women who suffer from postpartum depression experience mood swings as well as other multiple symptoms. According to a health article by Rene Wolf (2010), you can find writings about postpartum depression dating back to 700 BC. Hippocrates, a historic physician, wrote about the emotional and physical difficulties that women suffered post-birth, but it was not until the 1850’s that postpartum depression was recognized by medical officials as a disorder (Wolf, 2010). During this time, women who went forth and admitted to symptoms were deemed “neurotic” or insane. In the 1950’s, women who had postpartum depression received electric shock therapy as a treatment. This caused many women to fear and not talk about their symptoms (Wolf, 2010). Thankfully, times are different now and postpartum depression can be overcome with the help of your doctor and support from loved ones. Post partum depression is often times confused for the “baby blues” at first, but the symptoms for postpartum depression are “more intense and last longer” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015, para. 2). Symptoms for postpartum depression include, excessive crying, severe anxiety and panic attacks, loss of appetite, insomnia, irritability and anger, difficulty bonding with your newborn, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. These are just some symptoms of postpartum depression. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (2015, para. 1) there is “no single cause” for postpartum depression, but “physical and emotional issues may play a role.” When a woman gives birth, there is a dramatic drop in hormones. This can be something that contributes to postpartum depression. The feeling of anxiousness, lack of sleep, and being overwhelmed can also contribute to postpartum depression (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015, para. 1,2).
Effects and Diagnosis
The effects of postpartum depression can affect not only the mother, but it can affect the baby as well. For the mother, the effects may not allow her sleep and make her more irritable. Post partum depression can affect a mother’s early interaction with her baby as well. PPD can cause mothers to feel distant from their baby. In a “meta-analysis of studies” (Field, 2009), it was found that mothers that suffer from the depression are less likely to interact and play with their newborn. They show to be less engaged, and more irritable and hostile towards their newborn (Lovejoy, Graczyk, O’Hare, & Neuman, 2000). The mothers also have different styles of interacting with their newborn. They show a “controlling and over-stimulating style or a withdrawn, passive and under-stimulating style.” (Field 2009, para. 6). The mothers also touch their baby in a more negative manner rather than an affectionate manner. (Field, 2009, para. 7). A large sample study also found that mothers suffering from the depression were also less likely to talk to their baby. This included not singing to the baby, not reading stories to the baby, as well as playing less games with the baby (Paulson, Dauber & Leiferman, 2006). Another way that PPD affects the baby is the nourishment it receives. It was found that women who suffer from PPD are more likely to stop breast-feeding their child 1 to 4 months after giving birth. Instead, they replace the milk by giving the child water, juice, or cereal (McLearn et al, 2006; Paulson, Dauber, & Leiferman, 2006). This is important because breastfeeding protects against infections, protects against diseases, and gives the child the necessary nutrients in proper portions (“Why is Breastfeeding Important for your Baby,” 2015).
Not only can postpartum depression affect mothers and their baby, but it can also affect the father. According article by the Mayo Clinic Staff (2015), postpartum depression can cause a “ripple effect.” This means that the depression can start to spread. As stated earlier, we know this affects the baby. When the mother is depressed, the father’s risk of depression increases (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). According to an article by Tammy Worth (2011), 10% of new fathers become depressed when expecting a child. The depression can, too, affect the father-child bonding as it does the mother-child bonding. As opposed to women, who can experience postpartum depression just weeks after giving birth, men tend to develop postpartum depression much later. Anywhere from 3 to 6 months postpartum and the signs can be more difficult to recognize (Worth, 2011). So, not only does postpartum depression affect only women, as often perceived, it can affect the entire family.
There is no single test to determine whether or not an individual has postpartum depression or not, but there are risk factors that doctors may look at to help diagnose the patient. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (2015), risks for postpartum depression increase if the person has a history of depression, whether it be from a previous pregnancy or a different occasion. Risk also increases if you have stress factors present in your life for instance, financial problems, if you and your partner are having problems (i.e. arguments), or if you recently lost a job. Risks also increase if your family has a history of depression (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). Some questions that a doctor may ask are, “What are your symptoms, and when did they start?”, “How would you describe your energy level?”, and “Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?” to name a few. A doctor may look at all these things to help make a diagnosis. A doctor may also perform a physical exam that would evaluate the person’s health and screen for other conditions that might contribute to the symptoms (Edwards, 2015).