It is normal to feel tired, stressed, tearful, and low in the first few days or weeks after giving birth. This is often called the baby blues. However, if these feelings last for longer than two weeks, are intense, and affect your ability to function and take care of your baby then this may be postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression can be caused by a mix of physical and psychological factors. Risk factors include hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, a personal or family history of depression, being a young mother, and having a lack of social support. Birth complications, having a baby who is sick or who has problems sleeping, feeding or is difficult to soothe can also increase the risk of developing postnatal depression.
New mothers can find it difficult to admit that they are struggling to cope or bond with their baby but postnatal depression is not something to be ashamed of. It is an illness, it is common, and there are effective treatments. If you think you have postnatal depression it is important to talk to someone about this and seek treatment. If untreated, postnatal depression can impair your ability to care for and bond with your baby, lead to partner relationship issues, and impact on your child's development. There is also a risk of developing long term depression.
- Feeling sad, low, depressed.
- Finding it difficult to bond or connect with your baby.
- Feeling that you are not a good mother, feeling inadequate.
- Feeling worthless, guilt, shame.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Mood swings.
- Crying without reason, being more tearful.
- Thoughts of harming your baby.
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Fatigue and low energy
- Withdrawing from others - spending less time with family/ friends.
- Feeling irritable, angry.
- Feeling anxious, having panic attacks.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite - increase or decrease in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping - sleeping too much or too little.
It is important to talk to a medical professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or midwife, if you are experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression. Postnatal depression is not a failure or something to feel ashamed of; it is an illness and there are effective treatments.
Psychological Therapy:
The recommended treatment for postnatal depression is talk therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT is a structured form of talk therapy which explores how beliefs, thoughts, and actions influence each other. CBT can help to identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviours and to develop coping skills. IPT is a form of talk therapy which focuses on improving relationships, resolving relationship issues, and building social skills. Other forms of counselling which give the client an opportunity to talk through their emotions and current issues can also be beneficial.
Medication:
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to treat postnatal depression. Most antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding but discuss this with your doctor as medication can be present in breast milk.
Additional ways to manage postnatal depression:
- Get support - It is important to have a good support system in place after having a baby, especially if you are experiencing postnatal depression. Connecting with other new mums can be a good way to find support and learn from each other's experiences.
- Accept help from others and ask for help if needed.
- Try to keep a healthy lifestyle, rest, and take time for yourself.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is a New Zealand charity who provide support for young children and their whānau/ families. They provide health checks, development assessments, parenting classes and other support services, and run a helpline for parents.
The Whānau Āwhina Plunket website contains great resources for new parents and whānau, including information on postnatal depression. This web page provides information on the symptoms and causes of postnatal depression, as well as the treatments available and how to access support.
Mothers Helpers is a charitable trust who provide information and support to those experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety, and to new mothers who are struggling and at risk of developing these conditions. Their aim is to provide information to families/ friends and professionals, prevent these conditions developing, and help those who are suffering to recover.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is an international organisation who aim to increase awareness of perinatal mental health. They provide information, education, resources, support, and advocacy. They also run online support groups.
Depression NZ provides information on depression and anxiety to help you recognise the symptoms and develop a better understanding of these conditions. The website outlines how to access help, how to support others, and provides stories from those with lived experience of these conditions. The Depression NZ website has a resource for postnatal depression; outlining what it is, the symptoms, causes, and how to access support.
PADA is a NZ organisation working to raise awareness, provide information, and eliminate the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health. They offer education and tools to those experiencing these issues, supporting others, and for health care providers. Their website also contains personal stories from mothers with lived experience with perinatal mental health issues, such as postnatal depression.
This booklet is a great resource created by Mind UK on postnatal depression and perinatal mental health. It provides information on the causes and symptoms of postnatal depression, treatments, and how whānau/ families/ friends can provide support.
The Plunket parenting podcast, created by Whānau Āwhina Plunket, aims to provide support and advice for new parents.