Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. You should always consult your physician before making any medical decisions for your child.
As a new mom, it’s completely normal to experience all sorts of physical and emotional changes after giving birth. On top of welcoming a new addition to your family, your body is going through dramatic hormone fluctuations. So it makes sense if you notice shifts in your thoughts or mood that you didn’t expect.
While the “baby blues” are common, it’s important that you’re properly screened for postpartum depression in the months after having your baby.
In this blog post, you’ll learn what exactly postpartum depression (PPD) is, how often you should get a postpartum depression screening from your pediatrician, and what to expect with these types of maternal depression screenings. We’ll also cover ways to get help for PPD, and more supportive advice for new parents from our pediatricians.
Do you need a postpartum depression screening?
Outside of the intense emotions you’re likely to feel on either side of having a baby, there are some symptoms after the birth that are worth watching out for. First, let’s take a look at the difference between what you might know as the “baby blues” and postpartum depression.
- The “baby blues” are what many new parents experience as increased mood swings, sadness, weepiness, irritability, or anxiety, largely attributed to hormonal changes in the weeks after giving birth. However, if these feelings last more than a few weeks or become more intense, it could indicate postpartum depression.
- Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth with more intense symptoms than the typical “baby blues.” This may include prolonged sleep deprivation, heightened stress levels, or intensified symptoms of pre-existing mental health challenges. Postpartum depression may require professional support or treatment.
Signs of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression affects anywhere between 1 in 7 and 1 in 10 women. So if you’re feeling sad, hopeless, or empty long after you’ve given birth, a postpartum depression screening may indicate that you could be experiencing the condition.
PPD looks different in everyone who experiences it, but here are some common signs to look out for:
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
- Excessive crying that you can’t control
- Struggling to take an interest in the baby
- Feeling as if your baby belongs to someone else
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feeling like a bad parent
- Intrusive thoughts of harm to yourself or the baby
Note: experiencing intrusive thoughts of harm to yourself or the baby alone means you need to seek professional help right away. These thoughts are a symptom of postpartum depression and can be treated with the right support. It’s not your fault, and these feelings don’t define you as a person or your parenting abilities. Many others go through this too. There are compassionate professionals who can help you find relief so you can start enjoying your new baby and feeling like yourself again.
You should also consider how each of the symptoms listed above affect you, and how severe they are. If they start to impact your ability to show up as a mom, sleep, or take care of yourself, then it’s worth seeking out professional help.
Prioritizing your mental health as a new mother
Unfortunately, some new mothers feel as if they should bottle up these feelings, ashamed to discuss them with anyone else. It can feel as if there’s pressure on you to be elated and outwardly happy, which can make it easier to ignore negative emotions.
It’s natural to feel that your baby should be the top priority, but postpartum depression is a serious health condition and it’s important to take care of you.
If you have concerns about some of the symptoms listed above, reach out for professional help. Even as pediatricians, we include postpartum questionnaires as a vital part of our checkups with new babies.
While serious, postpartum depression can be treated. So even if you feel trapped in these negative thoughts and emotions, know that there is hope and these feelings won’t last forever
What to expect during a postpartum depression screening
These postpartum questionnaires are designed to determine whether you may need further support to navigate depression symptoms after having a baby.
The maternal depression screening itself doesn’t qualify as a diagnosis. Instead, it’s a useful assessment tool to help medical professionals (like your pediatrician) identify whether you’d benefit from further evaluation or support. It’s important that you answer the questions honestly to make sure you get the help you need.
These screenings should take place several times during your first months as a new mom to track how you’re feeling. At Elliston Pediatrics, we use the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at your baby’s 1-month, 2-month, 4-month, and 6-month wellness visits.
You can expect to answer 10 questions about how you’re feeling and the nature of your thoughts. As such, there’s no need to prepare in advance for the screening, other than to reflect on your experience as a new mother.
How to get back to “you”
If you are dealing with postpartum depression, there are various treatment options available to help you feel more like yourself again. These include:
Therapy and counseling
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you navigate the challenges of motherhood and work through the symptoms of PPD that you may be experiencing.
Medication
In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe you antidepressant medicine to manage your PPD symptoms. Often, this medicine will take several weeks to work, so it’s important you have ongoing support during this time.
Support systems
One of the most important ways to support your mental health after giving birth is to have a robust support system you can lean on and talk to about how you feel.
Whether this is family, chosen family, friends, or professionals, it’s imperative that you surround yourself with people who lift you up and can offer a hand when you need support.
How do you know if you’re doing a good job as a parent?
As you embark on the journey of parenthood, you might start to doubt yourself and ask questions like:
- How do I know I’m doing a good job as a parent?
- How can I stop feeling overwhelmed all the time?
- Where can I turn to get support as a parent?
We’re here to tell you that it’s completely normal to worry about your child’s well-being and wonder if you’re doing a good job.
When these doubts become debilitating and interfere with your ability to enjoy parenthood, it’s a good idea to seek support from friends and family, or reach out for professional help if symptoms persist.
While it can be difficult to focus on yourself after having a baby, it’s important to prioritize self-care, too. As the saying goes, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Taking care of yourself helps you show up as your best self for your family and new little one.
It may sound impossible now, but think of baby steps you can take to care for yourself. Maybe you can ask a loved one to watch the baby so you can take a nap. Or perhaps when you’re ready, you can explore fun exercise classes your baby can participate in too!
Think about the things you know made you feel better before giving birth, and try to incorporate them where possible. Give yourself grace, check in with yourself often, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Postpartum depression screenings and support
No new mother should have to deal with postpartum depression alone. If you can relate to the experiences outlined in this article, it may be time to seek professional support.
Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. Even if you’ve convinced yourself that you can deal with your symptoms, it’s still worth screening for postpartum depression as soon as you can to find solutions or rule out the condition.
At Elliston Pediatrics, we know how important it is to feel 100% supported as a parent. We don’t just take care of our little patients, we also make sure parents have the support and resources they need every step of the way. We conduct maternal depression screenings at your baby’s wellness visits to make sure you thrive alongside your little one.
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