Coping with Postpartum Mood Disorders: ‘Baby Blues’ and Depression

The birth of a child is usually an occasion to be celebrated. And amidst the cheer and celebration, we often forget that birth is a physically traumatic and bloody process on the new mother; and the months of pregnancy can also take a huge toll on her.

From carrying a child for a good part of the year to the physical act of childbirth, postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, is a common condition that many mothers do experience – and something that we should discuss more openly. This article shares common signs of postnatal depression, and how we can support young mothers with what they’re feeling, so that they know they’re not alone.

What is a Postpartum Mood Disorder?

Postpartum mood disorders are a type of mental health condition or disorder that happens after childbirth. Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience; postpartum mood disorders may affect the mother who’s giving birth, and also the new father, or even surrogate or adoptive parents. 

It is, however, most common in mothers who have just given birth. According to studies, around 1 in 10 women who have given birth may experience a postpartum mood disorder. There are different types of postpartum mood disorders:

• Baby Blues: The baby blues is the most common mood disorder after childbirth, where the new mother may find herself moody, easily upset, or irritable. It usually lasts a short while, for a few days to a week or so; and would tend to resolve itself without any external intervention. 
• Postpartum Depression: Sharing similar symptoms as baby blues, postpartum depression tend to last for a more prolonged period; and the mother may require more specialised care, such as the support of a GP, to manage her symptoms.
• Postpartum Psychosis: This is a rare condition that affects only 1 in 1,000 women after they’ve given birth. The most extreme mood disorder, mothers who are suffering from postpartum psychosis would experience severe agitation, confusion, delusions or hallucinations; and may be at risk of harm to themselves and even their families. Treating postpartum psychosis requires more intense and involved  care, which could be hospitalisation and medication.

What is the difference between ‘Baby Blues’ and Postpartum Depression?

The main difference between baby blues and postpartum depression is the length of time that the mother experiences her symptoms for. Postpartum depression could be mistaken for baby blues at the start; however, should her symptoms last longer than a week, it’s possible that the mother could be experiencing postpartum depression instead.

More crucially, symptoms of postpartum depression tend to interfere with the mother’s daily life and her ability to look after herself and her child. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Feeling upset or hopeless
• Being easily irritable
• Losing interest in things you previously enjoyed
• Having trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time
• Feeling like crying for no reason
• Feeling disconnected from your baby, feeling anxious around them, or having negative emotions directed towards your baby
• Feeling extremely tired and having no energy to do anything
• Withdrawing from social activities with friends and family

There is a general overlap in the symptoms of depression. While it’s normal for new mothers to feel emotional (or experience changes in their emotions) after giving birth, you should take note of these symptoms if they have lasted for a prolonged period.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Childbirth is a huge change in a woman’s life: her body is no longer the same; she may have had to alter her entire lifestyle during her pregnancy; her life is now tied to the child she’s just brought into the world. All of these changes can have an impact on one’s mental health.

While doctors and medical researchers are still not entirely clear on the reasons behind postpartum depression, there are a couple of factors that have been identified.

• Changes in hormonal levels: After giving birth, a mother experiences a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. This can alter her brain chemistry, and may contribute to changes in her mood.
• Having a history of mental health issues: Research has shown that mothers who may have suffered from depression earlier or who may have a family history of psychiatric disorders may have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression.
• Lack of social support: Mothers who have a lack of strong social support or who may be living with spousal abuse could be more likely to have postpartum depression.

Managing and Treating Postpartum Depression

Doctors are the first line in identifying whether a mother may be suffering from baby blues or postpartum depression. Typically during the first few check-ups after a mother has given birth, her primary physician would do a check-in on how she’s feeling and her emotions; and this may give some insight into whether the new mother may need some extra support.

If detected, treatment options could include:

• Medication: The mother may be prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, that could help with regulating her mood. This, of course, would be balanced with any risks of affecting the baby, if the mother is breastfeeding at the same time.
• Social support groups: The mother may also be referred to social support groups where she may meet other new mothers who could be facing the same challenges as her. From sharing similar experiences to finding tips on adjusting to her new life as a mother, social support groups are a crucial way in letting a new mother know she’s not alone in her journey. 
• Therapy: Lastly, the mother may be asked to work with a mental health professional to process what she’s feeling and learn effective ways to manage her thoughts and emotions. It can be useful to share her concerns with a therapist; to be equipped with better ways to cope with her feelings, and find a path towards recovery.

Should you find that you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression (or suspect that your loved ones may be going through this), it’s better to seek professional help as soon as possible. You can reach out to our counsellors at A Space Between anytime you need, for a team of trained therapists who would be able to support you.

References

• https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/understanding-postnatal-depression
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
• https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/don-t-dismiss-signs-of-postnatal-depression-as-weakness-doctors
• https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/postpartum-depression-new-mothers-singapore-general-practitioners-411956
• https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/prevalence-of-perinatal-depression-in-singapore
• https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/dealing-with-baby-blues
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/
• https://www.upmc.com/services/womens-health/conditions/postpartum-depression
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/