A Lighter Shade of Blue Though this site was developed to provide support for women suffering from postpartum depression, there is some good information here.
Am I At Risk For Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression is not a commonly talked about phenomena. We normally are told that postpartum will be joyful with our new baby, and perhaps you might be teary eyed for a day or two. Until recently not much thought was given to treating or preventing postpartum depression.
Babies and the "Blues" This is a short article that discusses a possible biological reason for post-partum depression. It disscusses the regulation of the hypothalomus in producing pregnanacy hormones and how that effects post-partum depression.
Baby Blues During the first few weeks after delivery up to 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression. This is characterized by mood swings, lethargy, feelings of inadequacy, and anxiety.
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression For many women, the days after birth are filled with a lot of mood changes. Some women find they feel weepy without any definite reason. Some women notice a change in their appetites. A few women notice they cannot sleep even when very tired; others may feel like sleeping much more than before. In the first weeks after birth, lots of women speak of feeling overwhelmed with the work of caring for a baby. Some women say they felt their lives would never return to a normal routine.
Baby Blues Connection Baby Blues Connection A volunteer group providing information, resources and support to postpartum mothers and families.
Baby blues or postnatal depression Most women get what is often called the 'baby blues' during the first week after childbirth. Symptoms include feeling emotional and irrational, bursting into tears for no apparent reason, feeling irritable or touchy or feeling depressed or anxious. These symptoms are normal and usually only last for a few days.
Coping with the baby blues A more severe form of the blues, called postpartum depression, occurs in about 10 percent of new moms. Common symptoms include fatigue, emotional numbness, social withdrawal, severe insomnia, mood swings and loss of sex drive.
Depression After Delivery "The baby blues" is an extremely common reaction occurring in the first few days after delivery, usually appearing suddenly on the third or fourth day. Fifty to 75% of all new mothers experience this feeling of letdown after the emotionally charged experience of birth.
Indigenous postpartem maternal and child health care practices among the Igbo of Nigeria Noting the apparent neglect of postnatal maternal care in the modern health care system, the author describes the indigenous postpartum maternal and child health care rites and observances among the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria. Next, he examines these practices against the background of the Igbo conception of health, and recommends that Igbo health practices be adapted and incorporated into the primary health care programme.
Postpartum Depression Despite the recent growth in publicity, postpartum depression is still all too often unrecognized or cavalierly dismissed. However, this common disorder is readily diagnosed and treated by the primary care physician who is willing to take the most basic measures.
Postpartum Education for Parents PEP is a non-profit, all-volunteer corporation staffed entirely by trained parent volunteers. PEP believes that there is no one right way to parent and that parental confidence increases by learning basic parenting skills and sharing concerns with others.
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL A Social Support Network, Information Center and Research Guide Concerning Postpartum Mood Disorders
Taming The Baby Blues Usually occurring during the first few weeks after delivery, the baby blues normally last for a week or less. Postpartum depression is a very real thing and probably related to the rapid hormonal changes that occur after delivery. Other factors that may contribute to postpartum depression include feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a baby, physical exhaustion and other discomforts, lack of sleep, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, unhappiness about the way you look, lack of support from others, feelings of ambivalence about your new role and a host of other stresses.
The Spectrum of Postpartum Depression Here's a good article about the signs of postpartum depression, and how the patient and her family can deal with the condition.
Treating Postpartum Depression depression in women who breastfeed, it is important to be aware of the risks posed by untreated depression, especially the adverse effects it can have on child development.
