Just a few days after our first child was born, our pediatrician informed us that our son needed to go back into the hospital to spend a night under the bilirubin lights for his jaundice. In an attempt to cheer me up, my husband took me to a new comedy playing at the local theater. I cried through the entire movie--and for the next three days. The veteran moms in my life told me not to worry, that it was just my “raging hormones.”

In fact, they were right. I was experiencing what is often referred to as the “baby blues,” which are considered a normal part of early motherhood and can last several days. However, when the mood swings, depression, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and even a loss of interest or pleasure in life persists for weeks or even months, these moms are likely suffering from postpartum depression.

According to researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine, postpartum major depression occurs in about one of 10 childbearing women. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have serious adverse effects on the mother and on her relationship with significant others, as well as on her baby's emotional and psychological development.

If a new mother experiences signs of depression, she should talk with her doctor about her symptoms and possible solutions. The doctor may recommend counseling, medication or other support tools. However, nursing mothers should also be aware of the possible effect antidepressants can have on breast milk. Most important, new mothers don’t need to try to navigate these changes alone—it’s important to turn to family and friends for help during this important life transition.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Podcast: The “baby blues” and postpartum depression
Written by Donna Z. Davis
Reviewed by Suzanna Smith

Sources:

“Postpartum Depression and the "Baby Blues:” Are changes in mood common after childbirth?” American Family Physician, April, 1999. Retrieved on October 31, 2006 online. “This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.”

Epperson, C. Neill, M.D., “Postpartum Major Depression: Detection and Treatment” Yale University School of Medicine, American Family Physician, April, 1999. Retrieved on October 31, 2006 online.