Postpartum Depression: What Are the Baby Blues?
Have you recently given birth and are feeling stressed, sad, anxious, lonely, or moody since the arrival of your newborn? This may be the result of “baby blues.” It’s not uncommon for new moms to experience this form of postpartum depression in the first few days or weeks after delivery. In fact, baby blues affects 60-80% of all new mothers, so you certainly aren’t alone in your feelings. These symptoms can continue for a couple of weeks and often go away on their own.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
While there is a wide range of symptoms, some of the more common ones are:
- Excessive irritability, anger, worry, or agitation
- Continuous feelings of sadness
- Uncontrollable crying
- Extreme lack of energy and motivation
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Lack of interest in the baby, friends, and family
- Sleep problems
- Extreme feelings of guilt, worthlessness, despair, or hopelessness
- Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
Postpartum depression is believed to be triggered by both physical changes and emotional factors, both of which are commonplace after the birth of a child. After delivery, your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels, which are very high during pregnancy, plummet. You are physically exhausted caring for this tiny and vulnerable infant, not to mention playing host to numerous visitors. Many times, within two weeks, these feelings subside on their own. However, help is available when you feel as though things aren’t getting better. It’s essential to seek treatment for postpartum depression in San Antonio or postpartum anxiety so that you aren’t struggling. Call the Birth Center Stone Oak at (210) 481-7549 to speak with a member of our staff for help and treatment for postpartum depression symptoms.