Did you know that maternal mental health (MMH) conditions are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 women? That's about 800,000 in the US alone! As we prepare to participate in a Roundtable Discussion this week hosted by Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) in Washington, DC on the topic of Military Mothers' Mental Health, we thought a foundational blog post on Postpartum Depression (PPD) would serve as an excellent starting point.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) stands as one of the most prevalent and critical challenges that new mothers can face after childbirth. It's crucial to grasp as it affects a significant percentage of women worldwide, regardless of prior mental health conditions. Understanding the distinction between the ‘baby blues’ and postpartum depression is also essential. Let’s dive in!
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression is not just feeling sad or overwhelmed after giving birth. It is a serious mood disorder that can affect any woman, occurring spontaneously in up to 15% of new mothers. While those with a history of mental illness are at higher risk, PPD can manifest in women who have never experienced depression before. It's characterized by feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, anger, guilt, rage, or even regret.
What are the Baby Blues?
The “baby blues” are a normal period of transition affecting up to 85% of new moms in the first 2-3 weeks after the baby is born. Baby blues typically include emotional sensitivity, weepiness, and feeling overwhelmed. The key difference is that baby blues resolve without treatment.
Impact on Mothers and Infants
The consequences of PPD can be severe and far-reaching. For mothers, the risks include an increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, which account for a disturbingly high percentage of postpartum deaths. The condition also affects maternal-infant bonding, infant safety, and overall child development. Infants born to mothers with PPD may experience difficulties such as infantile colic and exhibit delays in cognitive and emotional development.
Challenges in Recognition and Treatment
One of the most significant challenges with PPD is its recognition and timely intervention. Symptoms often overlap with the normal stresses and fatigue of caring for a newborn, leading affected mothers to dismiss their feelings as temporary. This delay in seeking help can worsen the prognosis and prolong suffering for both mother and child.
Important Note: The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (833-TLC-MAMA) is available via text (1-833-852-6262). Simply text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to connect with a trained counselor. Whether you're a new or expecting parent, or supporting a friend or family member, emotional support and resources are available. Don't hesitate—help is just a text away.
*Source: March of Dimes. (n.d.). Maternal Mental Health. Retrieved July 19, 2024, from https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/policy-advocacy/maternal-mental-health
About the Author
Alisa Marie has been bridging the worlds of birth and business for more than two decades, managing both payroll and babies, and serving over 200 client companies globally as a partner with Maternal Care Institute. She is incredibly passionate about assisting moms-to-be and supporting businesses that cater to them. Alisa is a mother of three, a practicing doula specializing in serving U.S. Military families from La Jolla to Dana Point, California, a certified childbirth educator, the creator of the globally taught Mindful Mama Childbirth education program, and she is completing her training to become a Midwife Assistant.
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