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Hot Topic in Women’s Health: Postpartum Depression

Sponsored Content from Littleton Adventist Hospital

By Rania Khan, D.O. OB/GYN - Women’s Health at Littleton September 26, 2020


We all know that having children is extremely difficult and bringing a newborn home is understated. This year, moms are finding that bringing a new baby home during COVID is exceptionally challenging. Dealing with virtual learning for their other children, social distancing and limited visiting (read: support) opportunities, and/or the fear of a worldwide pandemic is stressful, at best.

There are the normal new baby challenges of persistent sleep deprivation, trying to balance quality time with family, babies, cooking and the ever-present pressure to start exercising.  However, the hardest part about bringing a baby home is understanding the changes YOUR body is going through. One of the most important aspects of this is mental health and knowing what to do about postpartum depression.

Most of us don’t know that it is NORMAL to have baby blues, but postpartum depression is a separate diagnosis.  Baby blues occurs due to a hormone change (a sharp decrease) in estrogen and progesterone that occur immediately after delivery.  This peaks 2-7 days after delivery and can last up to two weeks.  Most women have some degree of baby blues and undergo small episodes of tearfulness, sleep difficultly, anxiety about the baby, irritability and mood changes.

Postpartum depression affects 1 of every 8 women and often requires pharmaceutical intervention, psychotherapy or a combination of both. A small percentage of women who experience postpartum depression can go on to have postpartum psychosis which is a risk for mom and baby alike. If symptoms persist longer than 4 weeks, or are associated with feelings of worthlessness, severe anxiety, lack of motivation or thoughts of self-harm, this can be postpartum depression.

Exercise prior to delivery and after delivery, a good support network and getting out of the house, and having time for oneself can improve baby blues.  If you think you may have depression, it’s OKAY to ask for help; consult your OB/GYN immediately.  



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