Written by Anne Wessels, Occupational Therapist, Mondia Health:  Dihlabeng

3 September 2024 

The birth of a baby can start a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Having a baby is a life-changing experience. Being a parent is exciting but can also be tiring and overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of worry or doubt, especially if you are a first-time parent. However, if your feelings include extreme sadness or loneliness, severe mood swings and frequent crying spells, you may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women due to physical, emotional, and behavioural changes following childbirth. There are three types of postpartum mood disorders: baby blues, postpartum depression, and, in much rarer cases, postpartum psychosis which may include hallucinations, delusions, dissociation, and disorganized thinking and behaviour.

“Baby blues”

After childbirth, 70% of new moms experience “baby blues,” which typically last up to two weeks whereafter the condition usually subsides without treatment. The best thing you can do is find support and ask for help from loved ones.

Symptoms of baby blues:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Crying
• Reduced concentration
• Appetite problems
• Trouble sleeping
• Severe fatigue
• Lower libido

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can be mistaken for baby blues at first, but the symptoms are more intense and last longer. They can interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may start earlier (during pregnancy) or later (up to a year after birth). New fathers can also experience postpartum depression, with about 1 in 10 affected during the year their child is born.

Symptoms of Postpartum depression:

• Depressed mood or feeling of emptiness
• Severe mood swings
• Crying all the time, often for no reason
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
• Loss of interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions
• Restlessness, excessive worrying or feeling on edge
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Thoughts of hurting someone else

Postpartum Depression Risk Factors:

• A history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy
• Age at time of pregnancy (the younger you are, the higher the chances)
• Ambivalence about the pregnancy
• Children (the more you have, the more likely you are to be depressed in a later pregnancy)
• Family history of mood disorders
• Going through an extremely stressful event, like a job loss or health crisis
• Having a child with special needs or health problems or a baby who cries a lot
• Having twins or triplets
• Limited social support
• Living alone or being a single parent
• Financial struggles
• Marital or relationship conflict
• Pregnancy complications like health conditions, difficult delivery or premature birth.

 Postpartum Depression Treatment

Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, counselling, or participation in a support group. Hospital admission is also often necessary. You may also be admitted to a treatment centre for several days until you’re stable. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about medication for depression, anxiety, or even psychosis.

Postpartum Depression Complications

If left untreated, postpartum depression may lead to the following:

• You can have trouble bonding with your baby and don’t establish a connection with them.
• Children of mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to have problems with sleeping and eating, crying more than usual, and delays in language development.
• Your child may have behaviour or learning problems.
• Your child may be at higher risk for obesity or developmental disorders.
• Your baby may have impaired social skills.

Postpartum Depression Prevention

Postpartum depression isn’t entirely preventable. Here are some tips that can help prevent postpartum depression:

• Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby.
• Limit visitors when you first go home.
• Ask for help — let others know how they can help you.
• Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
• Exercise — take a walk and get out of the house for a break.
• Keep in touch with your family and friends — don’t isolate yourself.
• Foster your relationship with your partner — make time for each other.
• Expect some good days and some bad days.
• Follow a sensible diet; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Find time for self-care and doing things you enjoy, like reading or other hobbies.
• Get help with household chores or errands.

If you have postpartum depression, know that you are not alone, it’s not your fault and that help is out there. Your healthcare provider can manage your symptoms and help you feel better.  For more information or assistance, contact your nearest Mondia Health Facility.  Visit www.mondiahealth.co.za for more information.