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On today’s episode, Nurse Zabe and I will be discussing all things postpartum depression related. Below I will share what we discuss, as well as links mentioned in the episode.
Today we are pulling back the curtain and sharing all the truths about postpartum depression. It is hard for new moms these days to realize that there are a lot of moms who suffer from PPD-postpartum depression. Social media makes us feel inadequate at times- we envision new moms’ homes being picked up and clean, postpartum moms losing baby weight overnight, and everyone always perfectly dressed. This is not the case. PPD effects one in five birthing moms. It is the number one complication of pregnancy and childbirth. I’m not sure why it’s not talked about more. So much emphasis is given on preparing for labor and delivery, but yet labor/delivery is very short term while postpartum is forever and after delivery!
Please note that Baby Blues is NOT PPD. PPD is NOT “just baby blues.” Baby Blues is the hormonal and emotional phase that happens during the first two weeks after delivery. You will notice that the irritability and sadness comes and goes, PPD it is not that easy to come and go.
Here are some mood disorders if you are curious if you may have postpartum depression:
Postpartum Depression: You can’t seem to get past what you may have thought were baby blues. Maybe you think you’ve changed forever now and will never be back to your old self and you should just be okay with that. Recognize that this is not the case! Your first step is to recognize this as PPD and your next step is to seek help and see that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel!
Postpartum Depression Anxiety: A lot of new moms dismiss having postpartum depression anxiety as they feel very bonded with your baby. Postpartum depression anxiety is actually when you feel so bonded with your baby that you won’t accept help with your newborn because you can’t imagine not being the one to care for your baby. In postpartum depression anxiety, you are so bonded with your baby that you may be anxious while your baby sleeps. You find that you are continuously having obsessive thoughts about things around your baby.
Postpartum OCD: Postpartum OCD is when you have obsessive and intrusive thoughts about how much you love your baby. Like, what would happen if you accidentally put your baby in the microwave-that’s not a typical new parent concern.
Postpartum Rage: Postpartum rage is when you lash out at those around when your emotions go 1-60 and you feel you have no control.
Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is the most severe of the postpartum mood disorders. In this state, you are not only having thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself and/or baby but also wanting to take action on those thoughts. With this state of postpartum psychosis, please call 911 immediately as this is a medical emergency and you need to NOT delay receiving help.
What to do if you suffer from PPD?
While listening to this episode, if you realize that you have symptoms of postpartum depression, the next step is to reach out to your OB or PP-primary physician. If going in to the office seems too overwhelming, see if they have an option for virtual or over the phone visits. Most OBs will get you in same day as they recognize the significance of PPD. The next step your OB will take is possibly medicine. Zoloft is a very common, breast feeding safe PPD medicine. You will also want to plug in to a support group and maybe even go see a counselor. OBs have the ability to get you in sooner for counseling sessions, then if you were to seek out a counselor on your own.
Where can you find a support group?
If you are local Martha Jefferson Hospital support groups can be found here: Martha Jefferson Support Groups
Another resource for those in Virginia can be found here: Support Groups in VA
And here is the link for the postpartum national mentioned in today’s episode: Postpartum Support International
Does my spouse/significant other suffer from PPD?
Your spouse/significant other may suffer from PPD if you, the birthing person is suffering from PPD. This can be sometimes hard to recognize as the birthing person is suffering and may not be able to focus or recognize in their partner. You both have just brought a life into the world and are now responsible for caring for this newborn, it’s important to recognize you both are going through changes. If your spouse/significant other is suffering from PPD, they should go see their PP, if they do not have one, most insurances now a days covers tele-visits and you can find one covered for your area. Also make sure your partner is getting time with the guys, just like it’s important for moms to get out and have a support group, it’s just as important for dads!
Below is a link for the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Your OB will give you this to fill out at your six weeks checkup and most pediatricians will give you one to fill out at your monthly newborn checkups, but you may find it easier to look over when you at home and have a moment to think over each question.
More about Nurse Zabe!
Nurse Zabe has been a nurse for the past nine years and also teaches labor and delivery classes. If you want more information as you prepare for delivery, pregnancy tips and life being postpartum make sure to check out all her informative videos on social media:
Favorite Quote: “When You Know Better, You Do Better” ~Michelangelo
Favorite Book:
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close By: Jonathan Safran Foer. It is about a little boy who deals with the ramifications of 9/11. It is beautifully and poetically written and speaks to a lot of loss that people deal with throughout their lifetime.
Favorite Childhood Book:
If You Were Born A Kitten This book is out of print, but you can find many used copies on amazon following the link. This story tells a sweet tale of what it would be like if you were born a kitten, you be licked and licked and goes on to say you weren’t any of those things, but we were waiting and so excited to meet you.
Favorite Movie/TV Show: Netflix Love Is Blind
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