What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Dr. Mbikayi Tshimanga, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician at Melomed Richards Bay
FCOG (SA), F.MAS (India)
PPD is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that happen in a women after giving birth.It’s relatively common, and it’s treatable. 1 out of 8 new moms suffer from baby blues – a normal short-lived period of feeling sad, weepy, or moody that is triggered by hormonal changes after giving birth.
PPD is not just “Baby Blues”
PPD can occur up to one year after having a baby, but it most commonly starts about one to three weeks after childbirth.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Women with PPD have intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that prevent them from being able to do their daily tasks.
- Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
- Lack of interest in the baby
- Feelings of anger or irritability
- Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
- Appetite and sleep disturbance
- Feeling guilty about not being a good mom or doubting your ability to care for the baby
- Crying and sadness
- Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Risk factors for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression is probably caused by a combination of factors:
- Previous or family history of depression
- Teen pregnancy
- Having a baby who has been hospitalized
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Non-breastfeeding moms
- Being a mom to multiples, like twins, or triplets
- Stressful life events
What causes Postpartum Depression?
The precise cause of PPD remains unclear, however several biological mechanisms play a role in the development of the disease. The postpartum period is characterised by:
- Rapid decline of pregnancy hormones – oestrogen and progesterone decrease sharply in the hours after childbirth. These changes may trigger depression in the same way that smaller changes in hormone levels trigger mood swings and tension before menstrual periods.
- Oxytocin, “the bonding hormone” increase after delivery and with breastfeeding. Lower levels of oxytocin are associated with PPD.
These rapid hormonal changes among other emotional and physical changes (sleep deprivation) all play a role in PPD development.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Medication - PPD can be treated with anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication. Anti-depressants balance the chemicals in the brain that control moods. It may take three to four weeks of taking the medication before you start to feel better.
Counselling & Education - Talk therapy (also called psychotherapy) is also used to treat depression, often in combination with medication. In talk therapy, you and a mental health professional discuss your feelings and how to manage them. Sometimes, therapy is needed for only a few weeks, but it may be needed for a few months or longer.
What should I do if I think I have Postpartum Depression?
If you think you may have PPD, or if your partner or family members are concerned that you do, it is important to see your obstetrician–gynaecologist (ob-gyn) or other healthcare professional as soon as possible. Do not wait until your postpartum check-up.