Prematurity and Postpartum Depression

When your baby is born prematurely, you will be plunged into a situation of uncertainty as their condition fluctuates. You may need to take in a huge amount of medical and technical detail in a very short space of time.

As well as feeling joy, love, and happiness at the birth of your baby, this period can also be extremely stressful and overwhelming. It is not unusual to feel quite exhausted and unhappy or tearful for several months after having your baby.

Many parents find it difficult to focus on their own needs after having a new baby – especially if the baby is unwell. This is understandable, but using some of your energy to take care of yourself will help your baby overall because it means you’ll be in a better position to take care of them.

Fact: 1 out of 8 babies are born premature and half of those moms experience postpartum depression

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Symptoms of Depression

If you’re suffering from a complete lack of motivation and feel very low after your premature birth, you could be depressed. The following feelings are symptoms of depression:  feeling tired and lacking interest, motivation or pleasure – in case of postnatal depression, this can sometimes include not feeling close to your baby or enjoying being with them, which may be accompanied by a sense of guilt and incompetence.

Changes in your feelings:

1.      Feeling depressed most of the day.

2.      Feeling shame, guilt, or failure.

3.      Feeling panicked or scared a lot of the time.

4.      Having severe mood swings

Changes in your everyday life:

1.      Having little interest in things you normally like to do.

2.      Feeling tired all the time.

3.      Eating a lot more or a lot less than is normal for you.

4.      Gaining or losing weight.

5.      Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.

6.      Having trouble concentrating or making decisions.

Changes in how you think about yourself or your baby:

1.      Having trouble bonding with your baby.

2.      Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby.

3.      thinking about suicide (killing yourself).

I have some of those symptoms. Am I depressed…or just struggling to cope?

It is important to remember that having some of the above symptom’s does not necessarily mean that you have depression. Many can be caused by the lack of sleep, and stress. A key difference is that even during periods of joy, if you are depressed your mood is likely to constantly flat. If you are constantly feeling the symptoms above, you should seek help.

Diagnosing postnatal depression

New mothers are nervous about asking for help, especially if they have had mental health problems such as depression in the past. However, if you feel you can’t cope and this feeling lasts for two weeks or more, do seek help. In extreme cases, untreated depression could impact on your baby’s wellbeing and development.

Be aware of your mental health history.

If you already had a mental health problem before becoming pregnant, you are more likely to develop problems again during your pregnancy, or during the first year of your baby’s life, than at other times in your life. Try not to let this worry you, but keep an eye out for the signs, so that if anything happens you can seek help quickly, as any severe problem could put you or your baby at risk.

Is PPD the same as baby blues?

No. PPD lasts longer and is more serious than baby blues. Baby blues are feelings of sadness you may have after having a baby blues can happen two to three days after you give birth and can last up to two weeks.  You may have trouble sleeping, be moody or cranky, and cry a lot. If you have sad feelings that last longer than two weeks, tell your provider. She can check to see if you may have PPD.

Can PPD affect your baby?

Yes. PPD can make it hard for you to care for yourself and your baby. This is why it’s important to treat PPD as soon as possible. If PPD is untreated:

1. you may skip your postpartum checkups and not follow instructions from your healthcare provider.

2. You may find it hard to bond with your baby.

3. Your baby may not breastfeed long. PPD may make it hard for you and your baby to get used to breastfeeding. Breast milk is the best food for your baby through the first year of life.

4. Your baby may not get the medical care he needs. PPD may make it hard for you to take care of your baby if she’s sick. You may not see health problems in your baby that need quick attention and care. It may be hard for you to get your baby regular well-baby care, like vaccinations. Vaccinations help protect your baby from harmful infections.

Getting treatment for PPD can help you feel better and be able to care for your baby. If you think you have PPD, tell your provider.

Treatment for depression

Research shows that simple lifestyle changes such as taking up exercise can often help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.  However, if you feel that you may need treatment for depression or anxiety, the options fall into two main categories:

• Psychological treatments (such as counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)).

• Medication such as anti-depressants.

Doctors will often recommend that you combine psychological and medical treatments, aiming to reduce the medication after the psychological therapy is finished. If you are prescribed any medication and are breastfeeding, make sure you mention this to the doctor.

Counseling therapies

Many people find it easier to talk to a professional than to a friend or family member. Counsellors are trained to listen non-judgementally and to help you find a way through your difficulties, while cognitive behavioral therapists are trained in techniques to help you change the ways you think or behave that might be contributing to the way you are feeling.

KEY POINTS

1. Postpartum depression (also called PPD) is not your fault. It’s a medical condition that needs treatment to get better.

2. May women have PPD after having a baby. It’s the most common problem for new moms. If you think you have PPD, tell your provider.

3. PPD can make it hard for you to take care of yourself and your baby.

4. If you have signs or symptoms of PPD, talk to your provider about treatment.

5. Certain kinds of counseling can help prevent depression. If you’re at risk for depression, talk to your provider about finding a counselor.

   Resources

1.      Depression during and after pregnancy: A resource for women, their families and friends

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Maternal and Child Health.

2.      Mental Health America

3.      Mothertobaby.org, Medications and more during pregnancy and breastfeeding from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)

4.      National Alliance on Mental Illness, 800-950-NAMI (6264

5.      National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-TALK (8225)

6.      Postpartum Support International, 800-944-4PPD (4773)

7.      Substance and Mental Health Services Administration