Got the baby blues? Ask your pediatrician for help
New mothers who are experiencing feelings of sadness, irritability and forgetfulness may be experiencing more than just the baby blues. But sorting out what's normal blues and what could be more serious depression can be tough.
Maternal depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth in the United States, according an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement published Dec. 17. Researchers estimate that 15 percent to 20 percent of new mothers experience depression, which can start during pregnancy or after the baby's birth.
Hormone levels change during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth. Pregnancy produces higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, which drop quickly in the 24 hours after giving birth. These rapid changes can lead to depression and irritability.
While all new parents often feel tired, irritable or nervous, here are some signs that indicate it's more than just the baby blues:
• Feeling extremely sad or angry without warning
• A sense of feeling "foggy" and having trouble completing tasks
• Feeling as if you are just going through the motions
• A strong sense of guilt and feelings of failure as a mother
Mothers who experience maternal depression may have more trouble bonding with their babies, may feel overwhelmed and angry and have trouble concentrating or sleeping. But help is available. Talking to your obstetrician or your child's pediatrician is a good first step. That's why the AAP recommends pediatricians and other physicians screen new mothers for depression. These screenings should happen during pregnancy and again at an infant's well-baby exams at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months.
If a screening questionnaire reveals a mother may be experiencing symptoms of depression, a pediatrician can connect her with help - improving the health of the mom as well as her child.
"When we are able to help a mother manage her mental health, we are essentially reaching the whole family," said pediatrician Dr. Marian Earls, one of the authors of the AAP recommendations on perinatal depression. "The hope is to create a protective buffer for the baby while strengthening family relationships and well-being."
New mothers are not alone in feeling sad, anxious or stressed after the birth of a baby. There's new research examining depression in new fathers and how their emotional health plays into a child's early health and development.
Screening parents for depression is an important part of a family's health care before and after a new baby is born. Your physician and pediatrician can explain treatment options to you and are ready to listen and put you on the road to recovery, so you can enjoy time with your baby and family again.
• Children's Health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca. Visit the website at HealthyChildren.org.