Postpartum Depression: Know the Signs

Having a baby is a life changing experience. After countless doctors visits, baby showers and birthing classes you feel pretty well prepared by the time the baby wants to come. You labor through the pain and frustration of child birth and now you have your wonderful prize - your child.
What happens after?
The words "postpartum depression" (PPD) floats around at the doctors offices and at the hospital, but what does that really mean? There are commercials on the radio and on TV that's narrated by a solemn voice over bleak, black and white video asking if you have the will to live. That definition of depression does not seem to fit postpartum depression.
While pregnant, emotion rages in the body. Once the baby is born, the body works on overhaul to get rid of all those emotions. In addition, the birth itself can trigger feelings of pain, uneasiness, inadequacy, helplessness, anger and dread.
According to the Mayo Clinic,"Many new moms experience the 'baby blues' after childbirth...but some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression."
It's hard to decipher the difference between the "baby blues" and full blown postpartum depression. Baby blues are usually severe mood swings and crying spells that fade quickly. Anxiety, lack of sleep and sadness can also be credited to the "baby blues."
Postpartum depression is something more serious. Typical symptoms of this are insomnia, feelings of inadequacy, loss of appetite, disinterest in your baby, intense anger, and even thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
If gone untreated, postpartum depression can be a real danger. In the UK, a woman laid herself down on a train track until she was run over after giving birth to her son Harrison. Her signs were ignored and she killed herself as a result of that negligence.
Don't dispair. Postpartum depression is sneaky and can take a strong hold on the fiercest and most confidant of women. It does not mean that you are unfit to be a mother or that it is a sign of weakness. It is only natural after such a traumatic experience.
There are simple things that can be done to help relieve the depression. Although it may be hard with a new baby, try to get some shut eye. Leave the baby with Daddy or a trusted care giver and take a nap. A few hours of extra sleep can make all the difference in the world.
Set a side some time for yourself. Take a walk around the block few times, just you. Or have some coffee with a girlfriend. This will give you a break from the 24/7 routine of having a little one to take care of.
Speak to your healthcare provider about how you are feeling and see what they suggest. They see PPD hundreds of times and know the signs and how to help you through it.
You are not alone. Ten to 15% of women suffer from PPD. With help, you will soon learn to accept your new body and welcome your new baby into the world full-heartedly.