The transition to motherhood brings immense joy to most women and leads to profound changes in them biologically, emotionally, and psychologically. Adjusting to motherhood and a new life routine poses many challenges to women. Those experiencing substantial loss of sleep, energy, and even a sense of self have an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms after giving birth. Depression in women after childbirth can range from mild and momentary baby blues to significant and prolonged mental health disorders, particularly postpartum depression. Let’s learn how to differentiate them.
| Baby Blues | Postpartum Depression | |
| Prevalence | 80% of women after childbirth | 10-20% of women after childbirth |
| Onset | Within the first week after childbirth | Within the first year after childbirth |
| Duration | Usually 2 to 14 days | Over 2 weeks, can go up to 1 year or longer |
| Symptoms | Mood swings, Tearfulness, Irritability, Anxiety, Sadness, Fatigue, Trouble sleeping, Feeling restless, Feeling like “I’m not myself today”, Difficulty concentrating | Persistent sadness, Intense irritability and anger, Overwhelming tiredness paired with difficulty sleeping, Severe anxiety and panic attacks, Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, Loss of interest in activities, Withdrawal from social connections, Changes in appetite and weight, Negative feelings towards the baby |
| Risk Factors | Hormonal changes, fatigue, adjustment to motherhood | Previous history of depression, family history, sleep deprivation, traumatic childbirth experience, lack of support |
| Functioning | Mild disruption but not interfering with daily functioning | Significant impairment of daily functioning |
| Treatment | Take time for yourself, it is self-limiting so no need for treatment, but need to prevent it from getting worse | Psychological treatment with mental health professionals, severe cases may require medications |
Psychotherapy
Talking therapies like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are efficacious in alleviating depressive symptoms. CBT helps individuals redirect negative thoughts, allowing them to reshape distorted perceptions about motherhood and self-image and develop constructive thoughts and coping skills. IPT, on the other hand, focuses on interpersonal problems and aims to enhance communication between postpartum women and their partners and family members. In addition, practitioners can offer couples or family therapy when postpartum-related issues affect the client’s relationship with her close family members. Additionally, counselling in an accepting and understanding group setting promotes validation, empowerment and symptom improvement for postpartum women. Group counselling provides valuable opportunities for new mothers to connect with others and exchange knowledge, challenges and guidance during this special life transition.
Self-care Strategies
- Exercise: Ease back to exercise, even walking for a few minutes every day is helpful, go out and get more sunlight.
- Rest more: Enlist the help of partner or family members to get more sleep, develop good sleep patterns.
- Speak out: Talk openly with partner, family or support group about feelings.
- Bond with baby: Create a secure attachment with baby, set realistic expectations for own ability to care for baby.
- Eat healthy: Have a balanced diet, stay hydrated, consider taking supplements like Omega-3 and vitamin B.
- Meditate: Practice breathing, relax muscle, focus on the present and positive thoughts.
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References
1. Johnson, K. M., Thai, A., & Kington, S. (2022). The enduring impact of birth: Women’s birth perceptions, postpartum depressive symptoms, and postpartum depression risk. Birth, 49(3), 455-463. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12614
2. McKelvey, M. M., & Espelin, J. (2018). Postpartum depression: Beyond the “baby blues”. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, 16(3), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NME.0000531872.48283.ab
3. Sharma, H., & Sharma, S. (2022). Mental health among pregnant women: A comparative study between primi and multigravida subjects. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 9(5), 2195-2199. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20221240
4. Stamou, G., García-Palacios, A., & Botella, C. (2018). Cognitive-Behavioural therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy for the treatment of post-natal depression: A narrative review. BMC Psychology, 6(1), 28–28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-018-0240-5
5. Thompson, I.A., Teixeira, V.B., & Thompson, E.S. (2023). Counseling for peripartum depression: A strengths-Based approach to conceptualization and treatment. Taylor & Francis Group. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/monash/detail.action?docID=30755596
6. World Health Organization. (2023). Maternal mental health. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/maternal-mental-health