What is postpartum depression?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.

What is postpartum depression?

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You’ve just had a baby. You’re not sleeping, your hormones are completely confused, your body hurts and there is this constant crying noise in your ear. Who wouldn’t be a little depressed?

The “baby blues” are common, and usually develop within the first few days after birth. You might experience mood swings, anxiety, sadness and insomnia. This is a transient phenomenon and usually resolves without treatment within two weeks.

Postpartum depression is also common, developing in up to 10 percent of mothers, but often goes unrecognized. The symptoms can be nonspecific, including fatigue, sadness and crying, insomnia, feeling guilty or inadequate, being overwhelmed, poor concentration, decreased libido, anxiety and not wanting to do usually enjoyable activities. In rare and extreme cases, a woman can develop psychosis (a loss of contact with reality).

Treatment usually involves a combination of counseling, medication, exercise and spiritual or emotional support. Some women are more prone to developing PPD, so if you have a previous history of depression or other mental health issues, you may want to talk to your doctor before the baby arrives. Usually, a mother doesn’t have a follow up appointment with her doctor until six weeks after delivery. It’s important to seek help sooner if there are any concerns for PPD.

— Ryan Moultray, DO, is an osteopath at Selah Family Medicine. Will and Owen call him Dad.