Postpartum+Depression

Erin Solomon **Postpartum Depression** **Definition & Background** Postpartum depression is a severe, long-lasting depression experienced by some new moms after giving birth (“Postpartum Depression,” June 2010). Postpartum depression is more severe than common “baby blues” experienced by many new moms (“Postpartum Depression,” June 2010). O’Hara et al. (1996) define Postpartum depression as, “…a non-psychotic depressive episode that begins in or extends into the postpartum period” (O’Hara et al., 1996). After childbirth, drops in hormone levels as well as other physical and emotional changes can have an impact on mood and can lead to postpartum depression in some new mothers (“Postpartum Depression,” n.d.). In addition, “Many lifestyle factors can lead to postpartum depression, including a demanding baby or older siblings, difficulty breast-feeding, exhaustion, financial problems, and lack of support from your partner or other loved ones” (“Postpartum Depression,” n.d.). New moms are not the only ones to struggle with postpartum depression. According to a recent study, approximately 10% of new dads experience it as well (“New Dads: coping with baby blues,” 2010). Postpartum depression can have a devastating impact on women and men, partners of the person suffering, and the children involved. It is important to seek medical help for postpartum depression, as it is not something that is easily treated alone. Support from family, partners and friend is extremely important during treatment and recovery from postpartum depression.

**Symptoms – how is post partum depression different from baby blues?** Many people experience baby blues after childbirth. The symptoms of baby blues are less severe than postpartum depression and can include anxiety, irritation, tearfulness, and restlessness and last about two weeks (“Postpartum Depression,” September 2010). However, symptoms of postpartum depression include sad or depressed mood, agitation or irritability, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, feeling withdrawn or unconnected, lack of pleasure or interest in most or all activities, loss of concentration, loss of energy, problems doing tasks at home or work, negative feelings toward the baby, significant anxiety, thoughts of death or suicide, trouble sleeping, difficulty caring for self or baby, negative feelings toward self or baby, thoughts of harming the baby, worrying intensely about the baby, little interest in the baby (“Postpartum Depression,” September 2010). Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that should not go untreated. Working with a health care provider, there are many treatment options available for struggling new moms and dads.

**Communication, relationships, and sex** Postpartum depression, like other forms of depression, can interfere with all aspects of a woman’s life, including the emotional and physical relationship with her partner. O’Hara et al. (1996) found “The state of a woman's marital relationship during pregnancy is a relatively clear risk factor for postpartum depression” (O’Hara et al., 1996). O’Hara et al. (1996) also found that social support and support from the father of the child had an effect on postpartum depression. Studies show that women who report relationship distress are at elevated risk for PPD (Carter et al., 2010, p. 279). The lack of desire for sex that often accompanies postpartum depression can put a significant strain on the relationship because sex is an important aspect of a healthy relationship. Lack of desire can be frustrating and can widen the emotional gap between partners that can exist as a result of postpartum depression. Sometimes the partner simply cannot provide what the woman suffering from postpartum depression needs and she might need to seek additional support outside of the relationship (McHugh, 2011). When communication breaks down, “The mother can often become angry with her partner, or alternatively, may withdraw from him completely” (McHugh, 2011). This is also true as it relates to the sexual relationship between partners. A woman suffering from postpartum depression who has a lack of desire for sex could be frustrated and shut down at the mere suggestion of sex from her partner. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness that are associated with postpartum depression could be amplified by a lack of desire for sex if the woman feels guilty that she is not satisfying her partner. This could ultimately lead to separation or divorce because “Many women then come to believe there is a problem with the marriage” (McHugh, 2011). There are steps that can be taken to prevent communication from breaking down to the point that separation occurs, but it takes effort from both partners. Communication between partners is extremely important in recovering from postpartum depression (Carter et al., 2010, p. 279). There are several important ways to maintain healthy communication before and after the baby is born. Scheduling uninterrupted time each day to talk with your partner about how you are both doing is a good way to keep communication flowing during a busy and stressful time (Bennett & Codey, 2007, p. 264). Talk to your partner about how you feel and what you need, even if you do not quite understand your emotions, instead of making them guess (Bennett & Codey, 2007, p. 264). Other tips for communicating effectively include, avoid placing blame, wait until you are calm to talk, do not lash out at your partner, and let your partner know that you love him or her even though you are having a difficult time (Bennett & Codey, 2007, p. 265).

**Treatment for postpartum depression** Treatment is extremely important for women suffering from postpartum depression. One study found that counseling and peer support groups can be of help, although medication is also a common treatment” (Nauert, 2007). Support groups can be found both in person and online for dealing with postpartum depression (Bennett & Codey, 2007, p. 267). If the mother has a supportive environment, the road to recovery will likely be easier (Nauert, 2007). Likely, a combination of medication and counseling along with support from the partner and family is the best recipe for recovery from postpartum depression. Couples therapy can be a beneficial treatment for postpartum depression, especially when relationship distress has resulted from the postpartum depression (Carter et al., 2010, p. 279).

**Don’t be afraid to ask for help** If you think you might be suffering from postpartum depression, talk to your partner and seek treatment. There are treatment options available that can significantly improve your experience as a new mother and your relationship with your partner.

B McHugh. Postpartum Depression: Effects on Marriage (Web log comment). Retrieved from []. (2011, April 7).
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Rick Nauert. (2007). //Therapy and Support for Postpartum Depression//. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/news/2007/10/19/therapy-and-support-for-postpartum-depression/1432.html