Postnatal Depression

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‘Baby Blues’

Giving birth can be a time of great excitement, exhaustion, shock and stress. Women are often unprepared for the reality of birth and having a new person to care for.

Almost half new mothers feel weepy three or four days after the birth, which is known as ‘baby blues’. It requires no medical treatment, just support and rest and confidence-boosting by those around including partner, family and health professionals.

Postnatal Depression

This affects one in ten mothers and usually sets in two weeks to two years after the birth. It can result in the woman becoming listless and unable to cope with the demands of the home and baby.

Many of the symptoms are similar to those of general depression with the woman becoming emotionally withdrawn and being overwhelmed with feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness.

Eating and sleeping patterns may alter markedly and the mother may lose interest in everything including the baby and be unable to concentrate or carry out daily tasks.

Stressful events before the birth, a traumatic delivery or low self-esteem may contribute to post-natal depression. The arrival of a new baby and the unavailability of the mother can allow the partner to feel abandoned and unable to trust in the relationship.

Post-natal depression can undermine the couple’s relationship even when the depression is over. It may be helpful to consider couple counselling if the relationship remains under pressure, to get a realistic perspective on the feelings of disappointment and loss that can accompany post-natal depression.

Usually treatment is available through the GP or in the community. In severe cases mother and baby may be treated in hospital - often in specialist mother and baby units where there is help to protect the bond between the two.

Puerperal Psychosis

Puerperal Psychosis is relatively rare, affecting less than one in 500 women, but early diagnosis can alleviate suffering. It is often marked by a period of intense activity and over-confidence when the mother may talk excitedly and hardly eat and sleep.

This period of euphoric energy and confidence may also coincide with a lack of interest in the new baby. Both mother and baby are at risk of serious neglect and medical attention is essential.

Some mothers become deluded that they have not had a baby or have given birth to a messiah or devil. A following period of depression often sees the mother overwhelmed with exhaustion and guilt, unable to cope with the simplest tasks.

Mania, depression and schizophrenia can all be present and need specialist help. Medication is usually essential.

Causes

Medical Help and Treatment

Postnatal Depression Statistics: More Statistics >>

The most common form of postnatal disturbance is the ‘baby blues’ which is said to be experienced by at least half of all western mothers. This usually lasts between 12 and 24 hours, generally occurring between the third and sixth day after the birth. [12]

An incidence figure of 10 per cent of all new mothers is most often quoted, with other studies showing a figure between 3 per cent and 22 per cent. [13] However, it is argued that around 50 per cent of these cases will never come to medical attention. [14]

Puerperal psychosis is a severe and relatively rare form of postnatal depression affecting between 0.1 and 0.2 per cent of all new mothers. [15] (Statistics from Mind.org.uk)

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Content written/edited by Denise Pickup MBACP in 2008. The content is for general information only and may or may not relate to your individual situation; please contact a professional directly to discuss this issue.