WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 20 percent of new mothers are affected by some degree of postpartum depression.

A woman’s body undergoes profound hormonal changes during pregnancy and for some time after delivery. These changes have well-known physical effects, but they can also have a psychological impact. Many women can experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy and after childbirth, a condition colloquially known as “baby blues.” Postpartum depression is the medical term for this occurrence which has some common symptoms, including: anxiety, irritability, mood swings, sleep difficulties, unexplained sadness, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Postpartum depression typically appears soon after childbirth, around three to four days after delivery, but its onset may be delayed for months. This feeling is a normal part of childbirth, but if it lasts for longer and does not go away within 10 days after delivery, it may be time to speak with your doctor. COME AS YOU ARE, we understand and our practitioners like you are parents.

Postpartum depression not only affects the mother, but it can also hinder maternal bonding with the newborn. This condition is often accompanied by intense feelings of guilt. New mothers may feel that they are responsible for their depression and are “insufficiently maternal.” In reality, postpartum depression is caused by biochemical factors such as shifts in hormones and neurotransmitter levels.

With over 30 years of taking care of women’s health in Montana, at Helena OBGYN and Associates we are equipped to take care of all your healthcare needs both physical and mental. Our practitioners like you are parents and understands your experience. At Helena OBGYN and Associates, Kristen Enblom, MS, LCPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and is available to assist women with the everyday stressors and emotional challenges that are presented throughout every chapter of your life. She is now accepting new patients in our clinic and would love to meet with you. Call our offices at 442-1914 to set up an appointment today.