Local Help for Post-Partum Depression
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
If you are a mother or know someone who is, you have heard the term postpartum depression (PPD). Its meaning can be vague and its symptoms can be confusing but it is a very real condition that affects 20% of new mothers, according to Dr. Margaret Howard, PhD, Director of the Postpartum Depression Day Hospital at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence. It is a frightening, isolating and dark time for women who experience it but we found a light at the end of the tunnel with resources right here in Rhode Island for any woman suffering with PPD.
What may surprise most people is that PPD does not just rear its ugly head immediately after birth; it can occur one to two years after a child is born. Eighty percent of women experience “baby blues” that consist of the period after birth when the body’s hormone levels are readjusting. Women who have a history of anxiety or depression are more likely to develop PPD.
PPD’s symptoms may include feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness/guilt, loss of pleasure in once enjoyable activities, anxiety, irritability, social withdrawal and ambivalence towards their babies. They may not even notice the behaviors themselves but others certainly will. While the public view of having a child is one of overwhelming joy and happiness, the reality is that having a baby can be a scary, frightening, unsure time and expectations need to be altered to that effect. There is nothing wrong with feeling like “oh my God, I can’t do this!” when caring for a newborn.
The lack of sleep, the constant needs of a tiny person and returning to “normal” life take a toll on the mother, the father and the families. The best thing to do is get support: medical, family, friends, and other new mothers. It literally takes a village to raise a child but also a village to support the mother and family. The first step is to assess the situation then seek resources based upon that assessment.
Is it Baby Blues or PPD?
Baby blues consists of:
* Sadness out of the blue
* Mood swings
* Irritability
* Emotions out of whack
* Usually goes away with two weeks
PPD consists of:
* Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt
* Anxiety and depression
* Not enjoying usually pleasurable activities
* Sleeping too little or too much
* Social withdrawal
* Ambivalence toward the baby
* If symptoms last longer than a period of two weeks, medical attention is strongly encouraged
If PPD is suspected, the first order of business is to contact the mother’s ObGyn so he or she can monitor the situation as well as refer to outside resources. Medication and/or therapy may be in order to help the mother get through this period and return to normal.
GoLocalProv located these resources for mothers and families dealing with PPD:
Day Hospital, Women & Infants, Providence, 274-1122, ext. 2870
Warm Line for New Parents, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, 1-800-711-7011
Families First Rhode Island, 16 Stimson Ave, Providence, Sally Harrison, 383-9933
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