Major Funding Provided by First 5 Commission of San Luis Obispo County
Since 1998 SLO-CAP has managed the Postpartum Depression Support Line which offers information and referrals for new mothers, their families and other caregivers.
In San Luis Obispo County Help is available
on our Support Line
805-549-7786
In Santa Barbara/Santa Maria help is available
at
Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) Warmline
805-564-3888
Postpartum Depression can be mild or sever. All women suffering from some level of Postpartum Depression need help and support. The degrees of severity of Postpartum Depression are discussed below.
The Baby Blues
The “baby blues” is a mild, temporary condition
experienced by as many as 80% of new mothers within the
first few days after childbirth. In spite of careful planning,
the sense of responsibility and the reality of caring for
a new baby does not really hit most parents until the first
few days at home.
Due to a sudden drop in hormones, a woman may feel weepy,
exhausted, anxious, or tense. If these feelings seem overwhelming,
or continue past the first two weeks, a woman should seek
help from a caring professional.
What can you do to ease the baby blues?
- SLEEP - Take time out for naps. Sleep when given the
opportunity.
- EAT - Have small, nutritious, and easy to prepare meals
throughout the day.
- SUPPORT - Talk with non-judgmental friends or family
who allow you to express your feelings. Ask for help,
accept help. Let someone else do the cooking and cleaning.
- MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.
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Postpartum Depression
True postpartum depression is different from the baby
blues. One in every six women experiences postpartum depression.
There are many factors that can contribute, including:
- hormonal changes after birth
- sleep deprivation
- a difficult birth
- a fussy baby
- a history of depression
- a history of physical or emotional abuse
- a poor support system or a difficult relationship.
Symptoms may include:
- feeling sad day after day
- no energy to care for self or baby
- feelings of hopelessness
- crying for no apparent reason
- anxiety, frightening thoughts or fantasies
- eating problems
- feeling that something is not right
Depression
May occur during pregnancy, immediately after birth or many
months later. The longer a depression goes undiagnosed and
untreated, the more impact it has on the woman and her family.
Postpartum depression often leaves women feeling ashamed,
isolated and with overwhelming feelings of guilt.
Anxiety
Is a common symptom among all postpartum disorders. Specific
anxiety disorders can develop or worsen after childbirth.
Panic disorders
May include sudden increase in anxiety, palpitations and
chest pains, hot or cold flashes, difficulty breathing,
shaking, dizziness, or fear of losing control or going crazy.
Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
May include strong physical sensation (butterflies), repetitive,
intrusive or repulsive thoughts, thoughts of harming self
or baby, avoiding the baby, compulsive behaviors such as
hand washing, checking and rechecking, counting or touching,
and housecleaning.
Anti-depressant medications often help with the symptoms
of postpartum depression and anxiety disorders.
Postpartum Psychosis
One to two of every thousand women will experience a more
serious disorder know as postpartum psychosis. Symptoms
include: severe or rapid mood swings, agitation or hyperactivity,
irrational thoughts, incoherent statements, hallucinations,
inability to care for self or baby, thoughts of harming
self or baby, losing touch with reality and delirium or
mania.
The mother’s condition can change rapidly. One moment
things seem normal, and the next moment the mother is not
acting like herself. Postpartum psychosis is truly an emergency
and requires immediate care
THERE IS HELP !
Some women with postpartum emotional disorders recover
without incident. Many others need professional help. Postpartum
emotional problems are physical and real. A woman can not
“pull herself out of it” any more than she can
pull herself out of a heart attack.
A woman experiencing any of the symptoms can call our Support
Line 549-7786 for free confidential information and referrals.
All the symptoms, from the mildest to the most severe are
temporary and treatable. Treatment varies, depending on
the severity of the symptoms.
REMEMBER;
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME
YOU WILL GET BETTER
THERE IS HELP!
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