If you feel blue after you’ve had baby, even if you feel like you can’t go on and have begun to resent your baby, you’re not alone. Many new mothers go through postpartum depression. For your sake and your baby’s, learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and, if you think you may be experiencing it, call your doctor or mental health professional. They can give you advice and help needed to get through this difficult time. Here are the major signs of postpartum depression:

• Loss of appetite: When you have just had a baby, your body needs more nourishment, not less. This is especially true if you are breast feeding. If you find that you just don’t want to eat much for several days, you have one of the major signs of postpartum depression.
• Can’t sleep: on some level, a lack of sleep comes with having a baby. Your baby will be up every couple of hours needing your attention. SO, when baby is asleep, you should be able to sleep, too. If you can’t sleep, even when you’re tired and baby is asleep, it presents a problem.
• Irritability and Anger: on some level, these come with lack of sleep, and everybody gets mad once in a while. But, if your irritability is extreme or constant, it could be a sign of a problem.
• Lack of happiness: this should be one of the happiest times of your life. If it isn’t, and you just have no joy at all, consider calling your doctor.
• No interest in sex: If your libido has gone out the window, it may be a symptom of PPD.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, or unworthy: We all feel this way a little at times. Having a baby who needs us is a humbling experience. But, if it’s interfering with your day to day life, it’s time to get help.
• Severe Moodiness: Again, the key word is severe. Everyone gets moody, but if your moodiness is beginning to look bipolar, it could be time to seek help.
• Loss of interest or bonding with baby: A mother’s bond with her child is a very natural thing. If you’re just not feeling it, it could be PPD, and if so, there is help available.
• Thoughts of harming your baby or yourself: If you’re feeling this way, even a little bit, even for a little while, reach out and get some help, even if you’re not experiencing any other symptoms. These kinds of feelings are not something to take lightly.

With the exception of the desire to hurt yourself or the baby, these symptoms often show up in mild form for a few days at a time. Often called the “baby blues”, this isn’t usually anything to worry about. If it persists or becomes severe, call your doctor.

This entry was posted in Pregnancy.