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Maladaptive behavior interferes with a person's ability to function normally. Some ways that a mother may feel that would affect them after giving birth would be reduced concentration, appetite problems, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms affect the mother in ways where she can't grow from it, and it's unhealthy for her.

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Unjustifiable behavior are behaviors that don't make sense to most people. Some things that may seem out of the norm for having postpartum depression are attempts to harming themselves or their baby or having hallucinations and delusions. Postpartum depression could really affect them to doing harmful things to others or to themselves.

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Disturbing behavior is a behavior that people feel uncomfortable about. Some ways that a person may feel when they have postpartum depression through disturbing behavior may be fear of not being a good mother and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms could be over-looked by people from the outside very easily.

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Atypical behavior is a behavior that is unusual and not shared by others. Some symptoms that someone with postpartum depression may have could be restlessness and reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.

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Approximately 70%-80% of women will experience the baby blues.

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One recent study found that 1-7 women may experience postpartum depression in the year after giving birth.

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Only half of all new mothers diagnosed with postpartum depression receive treatment for it.

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Postpartum psychosis is a rare, serious mental illness that affects one in 500 to 1,000 new mothers.

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Depression itself is one of the most common mental health disorders.

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Postpartum mood disorders don't always show up immediately after the birth.

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Extreme sleep deprivation can trigger postpartum depression.

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If someone has suffered from postpartum depression after one child and plan to have another child, there are things to treat it before it gets bad again.

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Up to 15% of women who experience "baby blues" will develop a more severe and long-lasting depression.

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Women who have bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of developing postpartum psychosis.

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Restlessness, anger, poor eating habits, trouble focusing or making decisions, little to no energy, little interest in things you used to enjoy, etc. These symptoms could worsen, and they're more than just the baby blues.

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Physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors all may play a role for triggering postpartum depression. Depression also runs in some families so it makes it a higher chance to get it.

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Psychotherapy helps by talking through your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professionals. Through therapy, you could find better ways to cope with feelings, solve problems, and set realistic goals.

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Treatment may require a combination of medications, such as, antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines.

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The relationship with the baby could be very distant and forgettable of memories if the mother has postpartum depression. Studies show that some mothers forget their baby's first step and more. It gets hard for a mother to get close to their child with some mothers.

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A new mother may not be able to handle her feelings and withdrawals so it could be very hard on the husband. The husband, in many cases, tends to take care of the mother and the newborn baby. Birdie Gunyon Meyer is a coordinator and she states that there's a very high rate of divorce in the first year after having a baby.

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https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220222/Study-examines-relationship-between-prenatal-and-postnatal-stress-depression-and-infant-motor-development-during-COVID.aspx

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Study examines relationship between prenatal and postnatal stress, depression, and infant motor development during COVID

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In a recent study posted to the Research Square* preprint server, researchers estimated the impact of antenatal and postnatal maternal mental health on the motor developments of the newborn during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

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Study examining depression development during COVID.

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Study examining depression development during COVID.

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Ever since SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019, the rate of prenatal and postnatal depression and stress in pregnant women has increased. Not only that, poor motor development in kids with motor deficits arising in infancy and early childhood has been correlated with the poor mental health of mothers during pregnancy and following delivery.

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https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/postpartum

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Between 10% and 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, but more than half of them go undiagnosed. Here are symptoms of PPD, and treatments.

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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376623

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Diagnosis

Your health care provider will usually talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and mental health to help determine if you have a short-term case of postpartum baby blues or a more severe form of depression. Don't be embarrassed - postpartum depression is common. Share your symptoms with your provider so that you and your provider can create a useful treatment plan.

As part of your evaluation, your health care provider may do a depression screening, including having you fill out a questionnaire. Your provider may order other tests, if needed, to rule out other causes for your symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment and recovery time vary, depending on how severe your depression is and what your individual needs are. If you have an underactive thyroid or an underlying illness, your health care provider may treat those conditions or refer you to the appropriate specialist. Your health care provider may also refer you to a mental health professional.

Baby blues

The baby blues usually fade on their own within a few days to 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime:

Get as much rest as you can.

Accept help from family and friends.

Connect with other new moms.

Create time to take care of yourself.

Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can make mood swings worse.

Ask your health care provider about getting help from a health professional called a lactation consultant if you're having problems with producing milk or breastfeeding.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is often treated with psychotherapy - also called talk therapy or mental health counseling - medicine or both.

Psychotherapy. It may help to talk through your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. Through therapy, you can find better ways to cope with your feelings, solve problems, set realistic goals and respond to situations in a positive way. Sometimes family or relationship therapy also helps. Examples of therapies used for postpartum depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy.

Antidepressants. Your health care provider may recommend an antidepressant. If you're breastfeeding, any medicine you take will enter your breast milk. However, most antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding with little risk of side effects for your baby. Work with your provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits of specific antidepressants.

Other medicines. When needed, other medicines may be added to your treatment. For example, if you have postpartum depression that includes severe anxiety or insomnia, an antianxiety medicine may be recommended for a short time.

Brexanolone (Zulresso) is the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for postpartum depression in adult women. Brexanolone slows the rapid drop of certain hormones after childbirth that may lead to postpartum depression. Potential serious side effects require a stay in a health care facility and monitoring by a health care provider while receiving the medicine through a vein over 60 hours. Because of this, the treatment is not yet widely available.

Research continues on an oral medicine for postpartum depression with promising results. The medicine being studied works in a way similar to brexanolone. But it could be taken daily as a pill and may not have the same serious side effects.

With appropriate treatment, postpartum depression symptoms usually improve. In some cases, postpartum depression can continue and become long term, which is called chronic depression. It's important to continue treatment after you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment too early may lead to a relapse.

Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis requires immediate treatment, usually in the hospital. Treatment may include:

Medicines. Treatment may require a combination of medicines - such as antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines - to control your signs and symptoms.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). If your postpartum depression is severe and you experience postpartum psychosis, ECT may be recommended if symptoms do not respond to medicine. ECT is a procedure in which small electrical currents are passed through the brain, intentionally starting a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reduce the symptoms of psychosis and depression, especially when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

A hospital stay during treatment for postpartum psychosis can challenge a mother's ability to breastfeed. This separation from the baby makes breastfeeding difficult. Your health care provider can recommend support for lactation - the process of producing breast milk - while you're in the hospital.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies

In addition to professional treatment, you can do some things for yourself that build on your treatment plan and help speed recovery.

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Include physical activity, such as a walk with your baby, and other forms of exercise in your daily routine. Try to get enough rest. Eat healthy foods and avoid alcohol.

Set realistic expectations. Don't pressure yourself to do everything. Scale back your expectations for the perfect household. Do what you can and leave the rest.

Make time for yourself. Take some time for yourself and get out of the house. That may mean asking a partner to take care of the baby or arranging for a sitter. Do something you enjoy, such as a hobby or some form of entertainment. You might also schedule some time alone with your partner or friends.

Avoid isolation. Talk with your partner, family and friends about how you're feeling. Ask other mothers about their experiences. Breaking the isolation may help you feel human again.

Ask for help. Try to open up to the people close to you and let them know you need help. If someone offers to babysit, take them up on it. If you can sleep, take a nap, or maybe you can see a movie or meet for coffee with friends. You may also benefit from asking for help with parenting skills that can include caregiving techniques to improve your baby's sleep and soothe fussing and crying.

Remember, taking care of your baby includes taking care of yourself.

Coping and support

The already stressful, exhausting period following a baby's birth is more difficult when depression occurs. But remember, postpartum depression is never anyone's fault. It's a common medical condition that needs treatment.

So, if you're having trouble coping with postpartum depression, talk with your health care provider. Ask your provider or a therapist about local support groups for new moms or women who have postpartum depression.

The sooner you get help, the sooner you'll be fully equipped to cope with depression and enjoy your new baby.

Preparing for your appointment

After your first appointment, your health care provider may refer you to a mental health provider who can create the right treatment plan with you. You may want to find a trusted family member or friend to join you for your appointment to help you remember all the information discussed.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

Any symptoms you've been experiencing and for how long.

All of your medical issues, including physical health conditions or mental health conditions, such as depression.

All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the counter medicines, as well as vitamins, herbs and other supplements, and the doses.

Questions to ask your provider.

Questions to ask may include:

What is my diagnosis?

What treatments are likely to help me?

What are the possible side effects of the treatments you're suggesting?

How much and how soon do you expect my symptoms to improve with treatment?

Is the medicine you're prescribing safe to take while breastfeeding?

How long will I need to be treated?

What lifestyle changes can help me manage my symptoms?

How often should I be seen for follow-up visits?

Am I at increased risk of other mental health problems?

Am I at risk of this condition recurring if I have another baby?

Is there any way to prevent a recurrence if I have another baby?

Are there any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider or mental health provider may ask you some questions, such as:

What are your symptoms, and when did they start?

Have your symptoms been getting better or worse over time?

Are your symptoms affecting your ability to care for your baby?

Do you feel as bonded to your baby as you expected?

Are you able to sleep when you have the chance and get out of bed when it's time to wake up?

How would you describe your energy level?

Has your appetite changed?

How often would you say you feel anxious, irritable or angry?

Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby?

How much support do you have in caring for your baby?

Are there other major stressors in your life, such as financial or relationship problems?

Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?

Have you ever been diagnosed with any mental health conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder? If so, what type of treatment helped the most?

Your provider may ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing for questions will help you make the most of your appointment.

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Learn the risk factors and symptoms of depression in new mothers, as well as effective treatment that can help you manage symptoms and bond with your baby.

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http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/pdpress.htm

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Having a baby can be one of the happiest and most important events in a women's life. While life with a new baby can be thrilling and rewarding, it also can be hard and stressful at times. Many new moms experience the baby blues - a mild, brief bout of depression - for a few days or weeks after giving birth. However, 10 percent to 20 percent of new moms will experience a more severe form of depression - known as postpartum or perinatal depression - that can interfere with daily life. Some women may develop postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe illness.

A mild depression is common to many new mothers (approximately 50 percent), and usually occurs immediately after birth. This condition is characterized by sudden mood swings that range from euphoria to intense sadness. It can last for only a few hours or as long as one to two weeks after delivery. Medical attention is not necessary.

Postpartum depression

Women who experience the baby blues are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. The condition is characterized by more intense feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety and irritability. The symptoms are longer lasting and may occur anytime within the first year. It often affects a woman's ability to function, and without medical attention, the symptoms may worsen.

Postpartum psychosis is a rare, serious mental illness that affects one in 500 to 1,000 new mothers. The onset is usually within the first six weeks after delivery and may cause the mother to completely lose touch with reality. She may have thoughts of harming herself or her child. Women who have bipolar disorder or another psychiatric problem called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of developing postpartum psychosis. Counseling, combined with medication and education in stress reduction, generally leads to recovery.

What are the signs of postpartum depression?

The following symptoms, especially if they linger or get worse, could signal that you have more than just the baby blues:

Restlessness, anger or irritability

Sadness, feel like crying a lot

Worthlessness or guilt

Fear of hurting your baby or yourself

Overly worried about the baby or not concerned about the baby at all

Little or no energy

Headaches, chest pains, rapid heartbeat, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, or fast and shallow breathing

Trouble sleeping well

Poor eating habits

Trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions

Little interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex

What causes postpartum depression?

There is no single cause for postpartum depression. Physical, emotional and lifestyle factors all may play a role. Depression also runs in some families.

Who gets postpartum depression?

Any woman who is pregnant, had a baby within the past several months, miscarried, recently weaned a child from breast feeding, or adopted a child can suffer from postpartum depression, regardless of how many previously non-complicated pregnancies and postpartum adjustments she has had. A woman may experience this regardless of her age, socioeconomic status, and number of children she has borne.

What is the treatment for postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is treated much like other types of depression. Support, counseling ("talk therapy") and medications can help. Treatment depends on the nature and severity of the postpartum depression and it is important to recognize that it is both temporary and treatable.

More information about postpartum depression can be obtained by contacting your physician or any of the following:

Illinois Department of Human Services Helpline
1-800-843-6154

The National Women's Health Information Center, Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
800-994-9662
www.4woman.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

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Having a baby can be one of the happiest and most important events in a women's life. While life with a new baby can be thrilling and rewarding, it also can be hard and stressful at times. Many new moms experience the baby blues - a mild, brief bout of depression - for a few days or weeks after giving birth.