Postpartum Depression - The Basics

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a depressive disorder associated with pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. According to the leading authority for the definition and diagnosis of mental illness -- the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM for short) -- postpartum depression is not qualitatively different from depression that occurs at other times, except for the timing of when it occurs. In other words, the "official" answer to the question "what is postpartum depression?" is that it is any major or minor depressive episode that occurs within four weeks after childbirth.

PPD is considered a bio-psychosocial phenomenon. This means it is caused by a complex combination of biological, psychological and social/cultural factors all working together. Contrary to much popular belief, then, PPD is not purely biological in origin. PPD is also not the same thing as the postpartum blues or "baby blues".

Many experts view postpartum depression as primarily an issue of coping and adjustment, where PPD exists at one extreme of an entire continuum of adjustment experiences. Within this perspective, the distinction between PPD and "normal" postpartum adjustment experiences often has more to do with the intensity of feelings and the amount of coping going on rather than something one does or does not have.

The main symptoms of PPD include: high levels of anxiety, crying for no apparent reason, immense sadness, insomnia, cognitive impairment, feeling overwhelmed, an inability to care for oneself and/or the baby, a lack of feeling for the baby or others, exaggerated mood swings, feelings of inadequacy, numbness, helplessness, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

Like other forms of depression, PPD can be more or less severe in nature. Sometimes, women suffering from postpartum depression -- especially in its milder form -- will get better on their own. More often, women suffering from postpartum depression find themselves getting better with extra help and emotional support, more self-care, and some cognitive "shifting" of their expectations and beliefs. Other times, medication is also needed to properly treat PPD. This is particularly the case when mothers are suffering from more major depression.

The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is one of the most commonly used screening tools used to help diagnose PPD. However, diagnosing, classifying, and otherwise defining PPD is NOT necessarily a straightforward or clear cut process. There is, in fact, considerable academic debate around many aspects of postpartum depression, including:

* whether PPD is qualitatively unique from other kinds of depression or whether it is similar to depression that occurs at other times

* whether PPD is more biological or social-psychological in origin

* whether PPD only occurs within the first 4-6 weeks postpartum, or whether mothers can get PPD while still pregnant and/or after the initial 4-6 postpartum period

* where the proper "cut-off" point is between PPD and "normal" postpartum adjustment emotions like guilt, anger, fatigue, loss, overwhelm, and anxiety.

More information about postpartum depression as well as the differences between PPD and the postpartum "blues" can be found at the Motherhood Cafe.

Stephanie Knaak, PhD, is the creator of the Motherhood Cafe. Her PhD is in the field of Sociology, specializing in parenting culture. She has published numerous academic articles, has appeared on TV, and has spoken on both national and international platforms as an expert on various motherhood issues, including postpartum adjustment, postpartum depression, and infant feeding.

The Truth Behind the Facade - Men's Postpartum Depression

New evidence suggests that postpartum depression is no longer just a condition experienced by new mothers. It may also affect new fathers in much the same way. Postpartum depression in new fathers is a relatively new concept, perhaps coming to light thanks to a growing acceptance of the full range of emotional experience that men are capable of.

Society as a whole has traditionally embraced the idea of the strong male figure with a narrow emotional range. Men now have increasing freedom to admit their feelings on a wide range of issues, including those that our own fathers and grandfathers wouldn't have dared discuss with others, including men's postpartum depression.

Paternal postnatal depression in not a new phenomenon, although awareness of it is. More light has been shed on this in recent times thanks to increasing social acceptance of men's emotions. Similar to the feelings that new mothers so often go experience following birth, men's postpartum depression can strongly affect the entire family. In a recent interview on "The Mommy-Muse Is In: Empowering Your Journey into Motherhood," men's health specialist Dr. Will Courtney shared this: "So often, mothers and fathers expect this experience of "baby bliss" that everyone suggests parenting is going to be like. Then, suddenly, this screaming, helpless infant is in their laps and they don't know what to do to calm this baby or soothe it. Suddenly, things start feeling a lot more difficult than they ever expected."

Parenthood is a profound event - whether experienced from the male or female point of view. The transition from being a couple to being a family can be an enormous challenge. Although the majority of men report a deep satisfaction with being a father, they do report that the transition from being "just a man" to being a dad is a frustrating, scary, daunting experience that requires massive adjustment. Men's postpartum depression can become quite severe, requiring mental health counseling from a qualified practitioner who understands the trials of new fatherhood and knows how to help.

Men typically are well-skilled at concealing their postpartum depression. They may, or may not, show any of the traditional signs that a new mother does, such as loss of interest, crying, and general sadness. Although a new father may attempt to "keep up appearances," the best clue that he might have an underlying problem is found by being alert to things that appear to be "just not right" in regards to his normal behaviors.

According to Dr. Courtney, men may try to avoid parenting and new fatherhood altogether, a sort of "out of sight out of mind" mentality. "I'm hearing a lot from new dads about the experience of not being able to tolerate being around the baby. They can't stand the baby's cries, the screaming; they say it makes them crazy. Or, they can't stand to smell the baby, or to even see it or hold it. Typically, men feel horribly guilty about feeling that way, and also very confused because this is not what they were told to expect with the birth of their child. All they really know to do is to try to get away from the thing that is kind of making them feel all of these things. They end up spending as much time as they can at the office."

New parents can take steps before the birth of their new baby (or even after the birth if they sense a problem) to better cope with postpartum depression. Here are some steps that you can take: Accept that postpartum depression is real in both men and women. If a man has a history of depression, beginning mental health counseling before the baby's birth is a great preventive measure. For couples with poor communication or strife in the relationship, couples counseling during and after the pregnancy can help offset depression by opening up the lines of communication between both partners. Economic problems should be faced head-on with the creation of a livable budget to alleviate the financial stress on the couple. Social support for both mom and dad is important. Decide who you can rely on if you need a sitter, etc.

New mothers and fathers must understand that postpartum depression is a completely natural condition that should be treated, not hidden. There is no shame in being depressed after the birth of a baby, especially considering that millions of parents experience some type of postpartum mood disorder each year. Seeking out treatment for the condition is an admission of being a parent who is willing to do whatever it takes to be the best parent and partner possible.

Stressed new parent? Christy Cuellar-Wentz, M.A. can help. As an internet talk radio host and mental health expert, she is passionate about providing the resources you need for your journey into parenthood. Sign up for free MP3s and explore specialized coaching for new and expectant moms. Go beyond postpartum survival into thriving at the Mommy-Muse website and The Official Mommy-Muse.com Blog.

5 Tips to Avoid Postpartum Depression - Supplements and Alternative Therapy

Postpartum Depression, classified as a moderate to severe depression that occurs in a woman after she has given birth, occurs in 10% to 20% of postnatal women. An overwhelming, 80% of women will experience some level of postpartum mood instability, the mildest of which is called the "baby blues". Some symptoms of the baby blues include mood swings, feelings of dependency and crying. In very rare cases, untreated Postpartum Depression can lead to Postpartum Psychosis, a very serious illness that involves hallucinations and delusions. Postpartum Psychosis and severe levels of Postpartum Depression requires immediate medical treatment. Paying close attention to your body can significantly reduce the chances of developing Postpartum Depression.

Here are some tips to help avoid Postpartum Depression:

1. Meditation: This practice is known to have physiological, psychological and physical benefits. It has been proven to lead to deeper physical relaxation, lower blood pressure, decrease muscle tension and increase emotional stability, among other things. If you know how to meditate, this is a great time to do it. If not, check out the Silva Method of Mind Control, developed by Jose Silva. He has a quick and easy method of learning how to meditate and refocus your thoughts. Using this method, one can easily achieve a meditative state within minutes on the very first try. He offers free courses on his website to get you started.

2. Acupuncture & Acupressure: These are very effective method and have been proven to help alleviate various forms of depression, including Postpartum Depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine links the mind to the body and vice versa. This form of medicine treats the body as a whole. If there is something wrong with the mind, acupuncture and acupressure taps into physical points on the body in order to treat the problem. These methods are also beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, pain management, weight control, migraines and much more. Schedule an appointment with an Acupuncturist. Not only will this treatment prove beneficial but it will also grant you a little bit of time to yourself.

3. Placenta Therapy: This is a relatively new concept to western society but placenta is used regularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine to combat anxiety, stimulate & increase lactation, replace iron lost during childbirth, fight fatigue and to avoid Postpartum Depression. People who have consumed placenta boast of having immediate increased energy, improved cognition, a "clear head" and feelings of elation. Postpartum consumption of the placenta also aids in hormone replacement and balancing. And, being a natural source of iron, the body is able to process it quicker and more efficiently than it can process unnatural iron supplements. Locate a Placenta Encapsulation specialist in your area, who can prepare your placenta into easy-to-take, dehydrated capsules. This allows for you to reap the extraordinary benefits of placenta therapy, while significantly lessening the "eww" factor.

4. Motherwort: This is a perennial plant in the mint family. It has a long history of use in midwifery and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as a uterine tonic. Often used to alleviate conditions associated with childbirth, hence the name "Motherwort", this herb is useful for promoting lactation, easing the discomfort of cramps, the treatment of rapid heart rate, relieving anxiety and, recently discovered, for the prevention of blood clot formation. Due to its extraordinary abilities to restore "normalcy" following childbirth, it has been called the "Herbal Placenta". It is also known to improve mental outlook and to be a mood elevator. As a home remedy it is often consumed as an herbal tea, a tincture or an herbal extract.

5. Prenatal Vitamins: After growing a baby and giving birth, a woman's body needs to have depleted nutrients and vitamins restored. And, if she is breastfeeding, her daily nutritional requirements are the same or greater than they were while pregnant. In fact, the recommended daily allowances for vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B3 are all higher for breastfeeding women than for pregnant women. Prenatal vitamins are sources of essential vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, DHA and calcium. It is important to get sufficient amounts of these nutrients because the nursing baby obtains them through their mother's milk. Prenatal vitamins are sources of iron as well. Blood loss during delivery can lead to anemia which results in fatigue. The continued use of prenatal vitamins, along with proper nutrition, can help to restore lost iron.

Jereka Hunt is a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist who believes in the power of mother nature and other alternative cures to common ailments. To get more information on Placenta Encapsulation Services and ways to avoid postpartum blues & depression, visit http://www.Wombmart.com.

Having the Blues About the Baby - Postpartum Depression

In the past few months, there has been a debacle between Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields on the issue of postpartum depression. As an adherent of Scientology, Tom Cruise believes that we are capable of healing ourselves through natural means rather than taking medications that would do more harm than good. With this belief in mind, Tom Cruise allegedly reacted and disapproved when Brooke Shields opted to treat her postpartum depression with antidepressants. Healthy exercises would have been the cure to her illness, cited Tom Cruise, but Brooke Shields resorted to another measure to cope with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression.

Majority has the idea that it is a feeling of despondency of a woman after giving birth. Postpartum depression is actually similar to major forms of depression, only it is experienced by women who have just given birth. There had been tragic stories wherein mothers murdered their infant. It seems unthinkable as motherhood is supposed to be an experience of joy and miracle, but this horrendous act is actually possible. The culprit? Postpartum depression. This disorder that has beset a lot of women can become some sort of insanity if left untreated. Postpartum depression can be attributed to physiological and psychological factors.

Having been pregnant for nine months, the mother normally undergoes tremendous hormonal and physiological changes. This can cause stress and distress as hormones usually affect the moods and emotions as well. The mother may experience mood changes and even altered mental state that could lead to depression. Underlying psychological issues may also beset the mother, especially if she is not ready or hesitant about motherhood. She may be harboring deep rooted ill feelings or anger toward the baby for several reasons- it can deter her from a successful career, or may strip her of the freedom of being single, or maybe it can be because she has gained weight and has become less attractive and unloved because of the baby.

Childbirth is also an agonizing process, and the physical stress of bearing a child can also cause postpartum depression. When we think of depression, what comes into mind is merely a sad, dejected feeling. But depression can be an intricate web of underlying entangled emotions of not only despondency but possibly also of guilt, anger, fear and insecurity, resentment or remorse, frustration and lack of self-esteem among others. Postpartum depression is a disorder than can be threatening not only to the mother but to the infant as well. When a mother is afflicted with this disorder, it is not only a matter between the mother and the baby, but of other relationships as well such as that with the father and the family.

Depression itself for an individual is distressing, much more so to a mother who has a responsibility and connection to the infant. Postpartum depression can possibly be prevented if the mother initially has a healthy mindset and would resolve all issues about the pregnancy and motherhood prior to giving birth. In this process, support system from family and friends is essential for the mother-to-be. Regular pre-natal check-ups to detect and correct irregularities must also be undertaken as well as proper supplementation to ensure a healthy pregnancy. When a mother is afflicted with depression, it is best to seek professional help.

Medications, if appropriate and necessary, are usually prescribed as well as psychotherapy to resolve underlying emotional and psychological issues. To experience the best of the joys of motherhood, it is wise to seek treatment for postpartum depression as it is curable. And after depression, it is possible for a mother to go on living a healthy and new life- with a new life in her hands.

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Postpartum Depression is Not Your Fault - How to Feel Better

Postpartum depression is caused by drastic changes in a new mother's life, combined with chemical changes in your brain. Your hormone levels are changing rapidly. This can lead to moodiness and strong emotions, which may leave you feeling unbalanced. Your life has also changed rapidly. Sleep deprivation, new duties, and a general loss of control can trigger depression.

Lack of support for new mothers can also be a huge trigger for postpartum depression. If you are a single mother, or are living away from your family, be sure to seek out a support network during your pregnancy. Make clear requests, and line up help with household chores and childcare for after the birth of your baby. This will allow you much-needed downtime to relax, regroup, and maintain your well-being.

You may be at risk for postpartum depression if any of the following factors apply:

You have a previous history of depressionYou have previously experienced postpartum depressionYour pregnancy was stressful, either with health issues or personal issuesYou have a troubled marriageYour pregnancy was unplannedYour delivery was difficult

If you have a history of one or more of the above issues, you may want to talk to your doctor today. Together, you can be on watch for depression throughout your pregnancy, as well as signs of postpartum depression after pregnancy. Prevention and early detection are key to a happy, healthy pregnancy.

If you do develop postpartum depression, realize that it is nothing to be ashamed of. With proper treatment, you will be able to live a normal active life and contribute to your baby's development. Treatment is not difficult, so please do not be afraid to get help when you feel it is needed. It is better for you, and better for your baby, to seek help if you are feeling depressed.

Treatment for postpartum depression can involve medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to let your doctor know so that he or she can prescribe an appropriate antidepressant. Some medications pass into breastmilk, and cannot be used, while others can be used with no ill effect on the baby whatsoever.

Antidepressants used during the postpartum period are generally tolerated well, and can drastically improve your quality of life. Talk therapy, with a counselor or social worker, can help you develop coping skills and tools you'll need to cope with day-to-day life with depression. These professionals can help get you back in the swing of things. Take steps today to get treatment, so that you can begin to enjoy life, and enjoy parenting your baby. These steps are important for the health and well-being of your entire family.

If you have been diagnosed with postpartum depression, there is no need for shame or embarrassment. Depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. There is nothing that you, your partner, or your baby did to cause the way you are feeling. You are making the right choice by deciding to seek help. Feeling better will improve day-to-day life for both you and your family.

If you feel that you may be experiencing postpartum depression, seek help today. Improving your mood will improve your quality of life. Seeking help for the way you feel is the best gift that you can give your child, and yourself!

Adriana Copaceanu is a busy mom of 2. Visit her Busy Moms Online if you are looking for ways to maximize your precious time. And if you are a new mom, you'll find everything you need to know at her Baby's First Year website.

3 Tips to Avoid Postpartum Depression - Get Active

Postpartum Depression is classified as a moderate to severe depression that occurs in a woman after she has given birth. 80% of women experience some level of postpartum mood instability, the mildest of which is termed "baby blues". Symptoms of the baby blues include mood swings and crying, which fades relatively quickly. In some cases, baby blues can transition into Postpartum Depression, which occurs in ten to twenty percent of postnatal women. In very rare cases, Postpartum Depression can lead to Postpartum Psychosis, a very serious illness that involves hallucinations and delusions, among other symptoms. Postpartum Psychosis (and severe levels of Postpartum Depression) requires prompt medical treatment. Increasing your physical and social activity can help in reducing your chances of developing Postpartum Depression.

Here are a few tips to help in avoiding Postpartum Depression:

1. Exercise: 30-minutes of exercise per day can work wonders for the mind (not to mention your physical well-being). The psychological benefits of exercise include an increased self-esteem, stress reduction, avoidance of anxiety, improved sleep and much more. How does this happen? When you exercise, the brain releases chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of Morphine (but without the threat of addiction). The positive feeling after a workout is often described as "euphoric" and is typically accompanied by increased energy and a positive outlook on life. Go to the gym, if you have a membership. Take a fast-paced walk while listening to music. Dance with your new bundle of joy to one or two favorite songs. Exercise can be fun. It does not have to be a chore.

2. Social Activities: Get involved with some local play groups or groups of interest. Meetup.com is an excellent site for finding people in your community with similar interest; even such interests as getting children together for play dates. Play dates allow for you to socialize with other mothers of young children (and finally have an adult conversation again) as well as expose your baby to different people and cultures. You can also spend the occasional evening with your girlfriends or attend the social event at a church in your area. Socializing is one that those activities that can even occur at the grocery store, while running errands or at the neighborhood park. Try to get out of the house, with and without children, every single day. The mere encounter with fresh air can often be enough to lift and lighten your mood.

3. See the Light of Day: It is amazing what going outside and stepping into the sunlight can do for your mood. In fact, a lack of sunlight is considered one of the main causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of winter blues, as there is less available day light in the fall and winter seasons. People who suffer from this disorder are mentally healthy throughout the year but have depression during fall and winter. Similarly, if you do not leave your home during your postpartum phase, you are exposing yourself to less than desirable amounts of sunlight. So, check the mailbox yourself, instead of sending your spouse. Take out the trash and just linger outdoors, alone, for a few moments. Other activities to consider include jogging, walking, washing the car, gardening, organizing the garage and reading on the porch.

Go to http://www.Wombmart.com for more in-depth information and other studies.

Jereka Hunt is a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist who believes in the power of mother nature and alternative cures to common ailments. To get more information on Placenta Encapsulation, postpartum health and ways to avoid postpartum blues & depression, visit http://www.Wombmart.com

The Facts Of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of all problems. Many woman who are in fact suffering from this problem are dismissed as just being emotional, which is sad to say the least, since a simple examination is all that's needed to determine if somebody is indeed suffering from postpartum depression. This article is going to provide you with the basic facts on this illness and hopefully give you the answers that you're looking for.

Technically, postpartum depression is a state of mind that exists after a woman has given birth to her child. The problem with diagnosing it is that the symptoms so strongly resemble many other mental illnesses. In other words, a woman could have mental illness long before giving birth and it's only now after the actual birth that the symptoms are more pronounced. It is because of this that postpartum depression is extremely difficult to diagnose and at times is often misdiagnosed as something entirely different.

Even the symptoms of postpartum depression closely resemble the symptoms of other mental illnesses. These symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, problems sleeping, constant worry over the child's health, problems concentrating, and even extreme cases of suicidal thoughts. Many mentally ill people who have never had children can experience many, if not all of these symptoms.

Fortunately, there have been advances in diagnosing this problem. For one thing, the length of time after birth is critical in determining if the woman is suffering from postpartum depression or just having a case of the baby blues. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks after giving birth, than the likelihood of the woman suffering from postpartum depression is greater.

Why do some women get postpartum depression and not others? The factors involved are numerous and difficult to pin down. Things such as difficulty in delivery, whether or not the woman is breast feeding, previous mental state, family history of mental illness, diet, and a number of other factors are all involved. There is no one definitive reason why a new mother will suffer from postpartum depression.

However, given all the uncertainties of what causes postpartum depression, it is believed, at least as of now, that treating this illness is no different from treating any other form of depression, whether it be through therapy, drugs or both. Treatment for postpartum depression is a long process. There is the immediate, or acute treatment, which usually lasts for about one to three months. Then there is the long term, or continuation treatment, which usually lasts for about four to nine months.

For those who are interested, there are natural treatments, mostly through diet, that can help in battling this terrible illness. The site in my signature offers alternatives to a number of problems through the change of diet and lifestyle that work wonders.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner

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