Postpartum depression is a disorder that affects mothers and fathers after the birth of a baby. The arrival of a child is a major upheaval in our lives, and our emotions take a hit: joy, fear, excitement, sadness…
It is important to distinguish baby blues from postpartum depression. The former is a mild, temporary disorder (mood swings, stress), while the latter presents more serious, long-lasting symptoms and must be treated.
Postpartum depression: definition
The term is subject to much controversy, but one thing is certain: it is a depression that occurs after birth. We can define it as a non-psychotic episode of major depressive disorder.
While some psychologists and psychiatrists acknowledge that it can occur up to 3 months after childbirth, the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledge that it can arise within the 12 months following childbirth.
It affects 10–15% of women, and unfortunately this disorder intensified during the Covid-19 crisis.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Here we present the most common symptoms:
- stress and anxiety without valid reason
- excessive sadness
- Mood swings: irritability and anger
- Guilt: about not caring well enough for their baby or not loving them enough
- Feeling like you are not a good parent
- Inability to spend time with their child (strong rejection)
- Fear or panic (mainly related to the baby)
- A lack of interest in oneself or the baby
- Sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep or, on the contrary, sleeping far too long
- Intense fatigue
- Appetite disorders
- Feeling of misery
- Uncontrollable crying
- Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
If you or your partner are experiencing these symptoms and are struggling, do not hesitate UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES to consult a doctor or psychologist. It is important to identify this illness because it can also have consequences for the child's development and, above all, lead to a complicated mother-child or father-child relationship.
Above all: see a doctor or psychologist, and in case of suicidal thoughts or immediate distress, contact the 3114 (national suicide prevention number, free, 24/7). For daily support -> LigneParents
Postpartum depression in fathers: is it possible?
Of course, although it affects more women than men, this disorder also occurs in fathers. Do not hesitate to talk about it — you are just as legitimate and should ask for help.
Symptoms are generally less visible, and anger and irritability may be more frequent.
Risk factors
Biological factors
- thyroid dysfunction
- lower prolactin levels
- a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after childbirth
- increased sensitivity to hormonal changes following childbirth
- complications during pregnancy and childbirth
Stressful events
Which occur during or after pregnancy.
- death of a loved one
- layoff
- the arrival of the baby, which can be very stressful
- moving
- difficulty bonding with the baby
A family or personal history
- depression in the past
- father or mother prone to depression or mood disorders
A lack of support
- from loved ones, from a partner
- a single parent will have a higher risk
Consequences for the child
Particularly during the first year of life, baby needs a loving and strong relationship with their attachment figure(s).
A parent affected by postnatal depression may have difficulty communicating with their child or having positive interactions. They may have difficulty recognizing all the signals sent by the baby and responding to them. Facial expressions and speech may also be less empathetic, more "flat."
This leads to different behaviors in children: demanding behavior (screaming, crying) and fewer known and used facial expressions.
Their entire cognitive, emotional, and social development can be affected. The attachment bond between the baby and their parents, VERY IMPORTANT, can be disrupted.
Carrying baby in a baby wrap or a baby carrier is a solution to foster this attachment bond through near-constant interactions, which are essential for baby's healthy development.
What to do?
Postpartum depression is treated:
- With antidepressants
- Support from a psychologist
Strongly consult your doctor as well as a psychologist who will be able to support you. Nothing can replace a healthcare professional.
Beyond these clinical treatments, it is important to take care of yourself and your baby. This involves:
- good sleep hygiene (complicated with a baby, we know, but ask your partner or loved ones for help to take over)
- maintain a social circle: see or call friends, go for a walk with your baby in a baby carrier or wrap and talk with other new mothers who are affected by this disorder
- promote the creation of the attachment bond: skin-to-skin contact, keep baby constantly against you with a baby wrap and above all respond to baby's needs (to find out more, click here)
- take care of yourself: physical activity, eating well :)
A brief overview of the "Baby Blues"
Not to be confused with postpartum depression, the baby blues occur between the 3rd and 6th day after childbirth. The sudden drop in hormones is responsible for the baby blues.
Mood swings, fatigue, stress, and irritability are the recurring symptoms. It affects between 30 and 80% of women.
How long does the baby blues last?
Being truly temporary, it lasts from a few hours to a maximum of two weeks.
How to avoid the baby blues
Due to a drop in hormones, it is difficult to avoid! However, to help this phase pass quickly:
- Rest +++
- Support from loved ones
- Taking your mind off things and taking care of yourself
Sources
- A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Incidence
- Heterogeneity of postpartum depression: a latent class analysis
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
- Child Psychiatry
- World Health Organization (WHO) — diagnostic criteria for perinatal depression
- 3114 — National Suicide Prevention Hotline