Articles About Postpartum Depression and Anxiety by Lori Calabrese, M.D.

After the birth of a baby, a woman’s hormones take a dramatic dip, while she is adapting to the reaction of her newborn’s introduction to life outside the womb. Babies are individuals, just like their parents, and some adapt more easily, while others experience some amount of pain and shock.  

They may sleep well, or they may not. Sleep deprivation is a common factor that can contribute to a new mother’s overall condition. Parents and child can struggle to get through those early weeks. And that’s when all things are normal. But in some cases, the impact on the mother can be so daunting, that she may experience some level of depression. 

Baby Blues 

The adjustment that feels like an uphill battle for a few weeks, then resolves, is known as the “baby blues,” and is not uncommon. As baby learns to sleep, and mom learns to nap when baby naps, and hormones begin to stabilize, those difficult first weeks can settle into a routine. The joys of having a new baby return. This happens with 50 – 75% of new moms. 

Postpartum Depression Symptoms 

However, sometimes, those problems don’t resolve for a longer period of time. And they become much more severe. When symptoms of depression arise, like feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt occur, intense irritability, crying for no reason, or crying often, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, Overwhelming tiredness, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, changes in your appetite, difficulty bonding with your baby – or a lack of interest in your baby – or even wanting to hurt him, as well as loss of motivation and even thoughts of dying become part of your daily experience, you need to seek treatment. 

Postpartum depression can be caused by hormonal changes, a history of depression, lack of support, extreme stress during pregnancy and/or delivery, and other factors. First, it is not your fault, just as any other illness is not your fault. Second, you need treatment to reduce or eradicate your symptoms, so you can move forward and enjoy a rewarding life with your child. 

Sometimes Dads Suffer from Postpartum Depression, Too 

Postpartum depression is not limited to mothers. Sometimes dads suffer the symptoms of depression, caused by stress in the home, increased responsibility, sleep deprivation, and inability to soothe a baby who doesn’t stop crying. There is also a drop in testosterone levels in some men after the birth of a baby. Just like moms, some dads feel inadequate as fathers and self doubt creeps in.  

But the good news is that postpartum depression in both parents can be treated very successfully, restoring your enjoyment in your baby and your confidence in yourself. 

Keep reading to learn more.