Giving birth is a tumultuous experience characterized by rapidly changing hormone levels, emotional upheavals, and great anxiety and concern about bring a good parent. Around 13 percent of the time, the U.S. Department of Health states, the typical new mom concerns and "baby blues" become more intense and potentially severe. Depression that occurs after labor and delivery, usually within the first six months, is called postpartum depression, or PPD. PPD can manifest itself in many ways.
Depressed Feelings
Many women are somewhat depressed after labor and all the excitement associated with childbirth dies down. But women with PPD have deeper sadness than the normal letdown of the baby blues. PPD can cause a complete lack of interest in everything, including the baby, feelings of not being good at being a mother, or that the world would be better off without her. Some women with PPD withdraw into sleep, avoiding family and friends, cry frequently and don't want to eat. They may stop caring for themselves physically. Many women with PPD don't tell anyone about their symptoms, fearing that others will think they're bad mothers. Family members need to be aware and watch for signs of depression after delivery, so treatment with medication or therapy can be started promptly.
Anxious Feelings
Many women with PPD become extremely anxious. They fear that there's something wrong with the baby, or something wrong with them. They're restless, can't fall sleep and wake early if they do sleep, have anxiety or panic attacks and rapid mood swings. They may be irritable and unable to concentrate, feeling out of control. Some women develop obsessive behavior, like repeatedly checking locked doors, or counting objects over and over. Medications and therapy should be initiated if these signs are observed.
Dangerous Feelings
Some PPD symptoms pose a danger to a mother or her baby. Severe PPD can cause obsessive thoughts about committing suicide or killing or harming the baby. The mother may recognize the severity of these thoughts and hide objects that could be used to cause harm to herself or others, like knives. Some mothers have no interest in the baby, not wanting to hold him or care for him, or constantly asking others to do things for him. Hallucinations, delusions or irrational behavior may also occur, if postpartum psychosis develops. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care, according to Brigham Young University.
