Learn the signs of postpartum depression and how to get help

It’s natural to feel happy one moment and sad the next after baby is born.

In the fourth trimester — the first 3 months after birth — babies go through an enormous amount of change and growth as they adjust to life outside the womb.

But what about you, baby’s mom? The fourth trimester doesn’t just present change and adjustments for your baby. A mom’s body and mind also change a lot during and after pregnancy.

In the 12 weeks after giving birth, a woman must heal physically from childbirth and adjust to changing hormones. At the same time, she is learning to feed and care for her new baby — around the clock. New moms are healing, tired and often overwhelmed while caring for their baby.

It’s natural to feel happy one moment and sad the next after baby is born. Having a baby is hard work! But if your sad feelings or baby blues don’t go away or get worse, it could be postpartum depression.

“We have to let moms know it’s OK to talk about postpartum depression, and we need to have these conversations before and after delivery,” said Dr. Michael Krew, director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Akron Children’s. “Moms may not know the signs that they’re not doing well, and postpartum depression can affect their baby long-term.”

If you’re feeling sad or more anxious than usual, you’re not alone. Postpartum depression is very common after having a baby. Learning the signs of postpartum depression and how to get help are important steps in helping you feel better — for yourself, your baby and everyone who cares about you.

Baby blues usually go away on their own in a few days. If you don’t feel like yourself a few weeks after giving birth, it could be postpartum depression that requires treatment.

What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression can start during pregnancy and may last up to a year after baby is born, whereas baby blues usually happen in the first 2 weeks after birth.

Postpartum depression symptoms are stronger and last longer than baby blues.

“The big difference between baby blues and more serious mental health problems is that baby blues usually go away on their own in a few hours or days,” Dr. Krew explained. “If you still don’t feel like yourself a few weeks after giving birth, it could be postpartum depression that requires treatment.”

Postpartum depression symptoms

Any woman can develop mental health issues during pregnancy and in the first year after having a baby. But if you’ve had mental health problems before, you’re more likely to have them during or after pregnancy.

Postpartum depression symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can make day-to-day life and caring for your baby harder. Common postpartum depression symptoms include:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Crying a lot
• Irritability and mood changes
• Feeling guilty or shameful
• Trouble bonding with your baby
• Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

“Moms may feel guilty or ashamed for feeling sad during a time that’s supposed to be happy,” Dr. Krew. said “But just like you’d ask for help if you had a fever, moms should reach out for help with depression. You don’t have to suffer. We’re here to help.”

Postpartum depression isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a condition — and one that can be treated. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help.

How to get help for postpartum depression

If symptoms of postpartum depression last more than 2 weeks, talk to your OB-GYN or primary care doctor. You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262. If you’re feeling very upset or thinking about hurting yourself, contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 anytime.

Your doctor can ask questions and clinically check you for depression. They also can refer you to a mental health specialist for treatment, if necessary.

There are effective treatment options for postpartum depression, such as:

• Counseling or talk therapy. A therapist can help you manage stress and work through negative feelings, while helping you build healthy coping skills.
• Antidepressants help relieve depression symptoms, so you can feel better. Just be sure to tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding, so they can choose the safest option.

Asking loved ones for help around the house and caring for baby, taking time for yourself, getting enough rest and moving your body can help you feel better, too.

“Treatment helps you and your baby be as healthy as possible in the future,” Dr. Krew said. “You may need to try more than 1 option before finding what works best for you. But know that with treatment, most moms overcome symptoms – so they can focus on healing after birth and caring for their new bundle of joy.”