Motherhood, Postpartum

This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression

Everything you need to know about postpartum depression

Most mothers talk about the beauty of childbirth. But, life is not all butterflies and rainbows. Many women go through depression during this time of life. It is important for you and all other mothers to realize no one is to be blamed for this. This post “This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression” will include everything you need to know about postpartum depression.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth. It usually starts a few weeks after childbirth. This depression is different from what we call the baby blues. The baby blues is a mild form of depression that many moms experience within the first two weeks after delivery. However, symptoms of baby blues are mild. Postpartum depression may begin during the third trimester. Click here to read more about the third trimester.

What causes postpartum depression?

After childbirth, hormones drop dramatically causing feelings of depression and fatigue. Nightless sleeps and the anxietyĀ of being a new mom may cause extreme depression too. Low levels of thyroid hormone cause a lack of energy and lead to depression too.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

  • Extreme mood swings
  • Feelings of not being good enough
  • Inability to focus
  • Lack of interest
  • No desire to bond with baby
  • Thoughts of suicide or hurting your baby
  • Extreme fatigue

When should I call a doctor?

Call your doctor if the depression does not subside after two weeks, you are thinking of hurting yourself or your baby, or you can’t take care of your baby.

This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression

There are a few treatments for postpartum depression including counseling, medication, and support groups. Exercise, reducing stress, and letting others help you are good options too. It is okay to have postpartum depression. Mothers should not be blamed for it.

After reading everything you need to know about postpartum depression, is there anything else you want to add? Leave a comment!

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Tshire
2 years ago

There should be more articles like these. PPD is real and most moms are scared to admit it because they are scared of being negatively labeled as bad mothers (even by other moms). What we don’t realise is that it can actually get so bad that you resent your baby. Great informative article

Nicole
2 years ago

Such a good post to share for new Moms! I know many friends who suffered in silence.

Sacha
2 years ago

Thank you for sharing about postpartum depression. It is so real and so important for moms to learn more about it and seek help where possible!

vidya
2 years ago

such an important topic that needs to be discussed more often; thanks for the post

Danielle
2 years ago

Such important information that needs to be passed to ALL moms.

Marysa
2 years ago

I am glad that this is something that there is more awareness about. It is important for women to know about this and take it seriously.

Leah
2 years ago

This is such an important issue. I struggled with it years ago after the birth of my first child. But, had no idea that’s what was happening because no one talked about it. I felt really alone and scared. I’m so glad moms are talking about this now!

Jazmin
2 years ago

I had this after my first and it was definitely rough! Thanks for bringing more awareness to it!

Kimmy
Kimmy
2 years ago

I had PPD, PPA and PP rage…it’s so real and can be so harmful to yourself and those around you.

J B
J B
2 years ago

This is super helpful! Thanks for sharing. My wife kinda went through similar struggles and we had really tough days, but we got through it eventually. Now we are expecting our second baby next month, and I’ll make sure she reads this šŸ™‚

Rachel
2 years ago

I had PPD and A with two of my three kids. It’s rough but can definitely be treated.

Nadalie Bardo
2 years ago

It really is not an easy topic, but more mothers need to talk about it. Thanks for educating us.

Marina
2 years ago

Had friends with PPD and I know it’s not easy x

Marta
2 years ago

So many of my friends battled PPD. I’m glad there’s more awareness of it.

Audrey
Audrey
2 years ago

Such an important topic!! It really is good to think about the signs and familiarize in the third trimester.

Holly | imwithholly.com

This is such a taboo topic, and I wish we could normalize the struggles many mothers have post-birth. Thanks for sharing. It’s so very important that we start talking about this.

Alicia (lis)
2 years ago

This is a really amazing article. I think so many moms struggle with ppd. I think it’s important for moms to know nothing is inherently wrong with them for experiencing this. Thanks for sharing