Post Natal Depression

Up to eighty percent of women who give birth may develop "baby blues". This feeling however, passes in a day or two and is different from post natal depression (PND) that comes within twelve months of having a baby, but more often than not during the first weeks or months. It can vary in severity from very mild and passing, to severe and lingering. For a lot of women, it passes swiftly, but for others, specialized help is needed. Post natal depression is widespread after the first pregnancy.

About one in eight mothers develops post natal depression and can occur a few days or weeks after giving birth, with slow or abrupt inception. A number of women may even experience depression for the duration of the pregnancy (antenatal depression). Depending on the severity of the depression, range of symptoms may include: low self-esteem and lack of confidence, negative thoughts, feeling of unable to cope, feeling that life is meaningless, tearful and irritability, feeling of inadequacy and guilt, low sex drive, difficulty sleeping or changes in sleeping patterns, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.

There are certain contributing factors although the exact cause of post natal depression is still unknown. These factors include:

Ø Physical changes. Even women who experience a moderately easy child birth is still an overpowering experience for the female body, and the sudden drop in pregnancy hormones affect brain chemicals or neurotransmitters, including broken sleep and fatigue, can all contribute to depression.
Ø Emotional changes. Adjusting to parenthood is daunting and new mothers have to deal with the constant demands of the baby, loss of her own independence, and a different dynamic to her relationship with her partner. These changes are already hard at the best of times, but are even more devastating when a woman is still physically recovering from childbirth and handling broken sleep.
Ø Social changes. Demands and expectations on a new mother by society, which a woman may sense she needs to live up to, can be very stressful. They find themselves less able to keep in touch with workmates and friends, as well as adjusting to one wage may also be hard.

Post natal depression can put a huge injury on any relationship, even when a partner is living, supportive, and patient. It is common for couples encountering post natal depression to think that their relationship is beyond repair, but generally it is not the case, relationships return to normal once depression lifts, but it is a good idea to postpone any major life decisions while in the hold of PND.

Women suffering from PND tend to withdraw from everybody including her baby. This does not mean she is a "bad" mother, but it is just a part of the symptoms of the disorder. Patience and support from family and friends is probably the most important factor in a woman's healing. Talking about her feelings with other women such as support groups or professional counselor can help a lot. In severe cases, antidepressants and other medications may be recommended to bring about change of mood. It is important to take note that post natal depression is a temporary condition that will get better with time.