How to Cope with Postpartum Depression: 11 Tips for New Moms (2023)

FAQs

How do I calm down postpartum? ›

Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medicines, psychotherapy (talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy) and support group participation. Treatment for postpartum psychosis may include medication to treat depression, anxiety and psychosis.

Sadness. Anger and irritability. Difficulty sleeping. Intrusive thoughts (which may include thoughts of harming the baby)

The postpartum period generally includes the first 4 to 6 weeks after birth, and many cases of PPD begin during that time. But PPD can also develop during pregnancy and up to 1 year after giving birth, so don't discount your feelings if they're happening outside of the typical postpartum period.

Be understanding. New moms are going through an exhausting, emotional, and sometimes confusing time. And that's ok. Give them their space, perhaps organize a visit for another day, and just let them know you're a quick text or call away if they ever need you.

Common postpartum complications

Other medical conditions often reflecting pre-existing illnesses. Infection or sepsis. Excessive bleeding after giving birth (hemorrhage) A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body (cardiomyopathy)

After your baby is born, your body gets rid of the blood and tissue that was inside your uterus. This is called vaginal discharge or lochia. For the first few days, it's heavy, bright red and may contain blood clots. Over time, the flow gets less and lighter in color.

The risk for postpartum depression is highest among first-time mothers, mothers younger than 25 years old and mothers of twins, according to a survey of more than 1.1 million moms worldwide.

The “baby pinks” typically set in immediately after birth and can last for six to eight weeks. It's not clear how common the condition is, though as many as one in 10 new mothers can experience it. Women with a history of mood disorders appear to be at higher risk.

Is postpartum considered a mental illness? ›

The postpartum blues or “baby blues”

Symptoms generally do not last for more than a few weeks, and this condition is not considered a mental health disorder, however if a person continues to experience moods swings or feelings of depression for more than two weeks after childbirth, the problem may be more serious.

Avoid stairs and lifting until your doctor says these activities are OK. Don't take a bath or go swimming until the doctor says it's OK. Don't drive until your doctor says it's OK. Also wait until you can make sudden movements and wear a safety belt properly without discomfort.

Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new baby, and whilst people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.

Postpartum care is important because new moms are at risk of serious and sometimes life-threatening health complications in the days and weeks after giving birth. Too many new moms have or even die from health problems that may be prevented by getting postpartum care. Postpartum checkups are important for any new mom.

Why do you have to wait 40 days after giving birth? ›

But waiting will also give your body time to heal. In addition to postpartum discharge and vaginal tears, you might experience fatigue, vaginal dryness, pain and low sexual desire. If you had a vaginal tear that required surgical repair, you might need to wait longer.

The postpartum period can be divided into three distinct stages; the initial or acute phase, 8–19 hours after childbirth; subacute postpartum period, which lasts two to six weeks, and the delayed postpartum period, which can last up to eight months.

Vaginal delivery recovery, also called postpartum recovery, takes time. Some women don't feel like their pre-pregnancy selves again for a few months, though many feel mostly recovered after 6-8 weeks. Two-thirds of babies in the U.S. are born through vaginal delivery.

PPD is a serious, relatively common disorder that has lifelong implications for a woman and her family. Although anecdotal evidence may point to PPD being inherited, the epidemiological evidence to support such a claim is inconclusive.

Your oxytocin levels surge postpartum to help you feel that strong, motherly instinct and to compensate for the sudden drop in progesterone and estrogen. The prolactin hormone will increase as well to encourage milk production.

Many people who have given birth will experience mild mood changes after having a baby, known as the "baby blues". This is normal and usually only lasts for a few days. But postpartum psychosis is very different from the "baby blues". It's a serious mental illness and should be treated as a medical emergency.

All pregnant women are at risk for PDD, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or economic status. But you are more likely to develop it if you or someone in your family has had depression or if you previously suffered from postpartum depression.

The most common risk factors identified were high life stress, lack of social support, current or past abuse, prenatal depression, and marital or partner dissatisfaction. The 2 strongest risk factors for PPD were prenatal depression and current abuse.

Is PPD curable? ›

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

What is unassisted birth? Unassisted childbirth (UC) also goes by the names freebirth or DIY birth. In its most basic definition, UC is intentionally birthing at home without a doctor, midwife, or other trained health professional in attendance.

Postpartum bipolar disorder, described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as "bipolar disorder, peripartum onset," is characterized by mood episodes—mania, hypomania or depression—that can begin during pregnancy or in the weeks after childbirth.

The “baby pinks” is marked by extreme euphoria or mild mania after the birth of a baby. The mother will feel over-energized and perhaps describe a feeling of not needing sleep. She might talk too fast and exhibit impulsive or unusual behaviour, as well as a decreased ability to concentrate.

Who is most likely to get postpartum psychosis? You do have a higher risk if you have bipolar disorder type I or schizoaffective disorder, a previous postpartum psychosis yourself, or a history of postpartum psychosis in a close relative (see the table below).

Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after giving birth. It contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks. Lochia is heavy at first but gradually subsides to a lighter flow until it goes away. This can last for a few weeks.

Avoid stairs and lifting until your doctor says these activities are OK. Don't take a bath or go swimming until the doctor says it's OK. Don't drive until your doctor says it's OK. Also wait until you can make sudden movements and wear a safety belt properly without discomfort.

How long is the postpartum period? No matter how you delivered your baby, the postpartum recovery period is generally considered to be the first six weeks after childbirth. This doesn't mean that at six weeks you'll magically bounce back to pre-baby condition.

How long does it take for your body to fully recover from pregnancy? ›

For most women, it's best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again. This means your baby will be at least 1½ years old before you get pregnant with another baby. This much time gives your body time to fully recover from your last pregnancy before it's ready for your next pregnancy.

But waiting will also give your body time to heal. In addition to postpartum discharge and vaginal tears, you might experience fatigue, vaginal dryness, pain and low sexual desire. If you had a vaginal tear that required surgical repair, you might need to wait longer.

For those first few weeks after giving birth, it's best to stick to showers – and don't worry, they'll probably feel just as relaxing! Use warm water and mild soap, and gently clean your body without scrubbing too hard at your c-section incision site or around your pelvic region.

Symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, fatigue, weight loss and irritability (one to four months after birth) or fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and depression (four to eight months after birth).

Postpartum Numbing Spray

Dermoplast relieves pain and itching around cuts and skin irritation, which is especially helpful if you tear. This aerosol spray can comes in a 2.75-ounce size.

Based on the study findings, they suggest the optimal time between giving birth and getting pregnant again is 18 months, with a range of 12 to 24 months. That said, many experts still adhere to the recommendation of 18 to 24 months.

What can you not do at 6 weeks postpartum? ›

Don't put anything into the vagina

This usually occurs around your 6-week postpartum checkup. Why? Well, the first reason is because of the risk of infection. Your uterus is still physically recovering from birth — and if you had any vaginal repair, those areas will be healing, too.

The terms “postpartum period” and “postnatal period” are often used interchangeably but sometimes separately, when “postpartum” refers to issues pertaining to the mother and “postnatal” refers to those concerning the baby.