Having a baby brings so many changes physically, emotionally and mentally. But how do you know if what you’re feeling is “normal,” or if they are symptoms of something else happening? We asked Dr. Clo for her advice on navigating postpartum depression.
Q: I had my first baby four months ago and I am not feeling “myself.” Can I talk to my son’s pediatrician about whether I might have postpartum depression?
A: As pediatricians, we know that a healthy baby needs a healthy primary caregiver. This is why we screen all parents for postpartum mood symptoms for six months. We tend to see parents more often in the first year of a baby’s life than any other medical provider working with the family, so your pediatrician’s office is absolutely the right place to bring this up.
For some parents, the first weeks at home with a baby are the hardest in their lives. They may feel overworked and overwhelmed. Inadequate sleep leaves parents fatigued. Caring for a baby can be a lonely and stressful responsibility. The solution is asking for help. No one should be expected to care for a young baby alone.
More than 50% of women experience postpartum blues the week after delivery. The symptoms include tearfulness, tiredness, sadness and difficulty thinking clearly. The main cause of this temporary reaction is probably the sudden change in hormones. Sleep deprivation also contributes. These symptoms usually clear in one to three weeks as hormone levels return to normal and new routines develop.
If symptoms are not improving after a couple weeks, or if the symptoms are making it impossible for a parent to care for themselves or their baby, getting help is important! You are not just doing it for you, you are doing it for your baby. Pediatricians made aware of parental depression will put the parent in touch with parenting support resources. In my office, we offer short-term counseling for the parent with one of our behavioral health clinicians. Sometimes we facilitate an immediate appointment for the parent to see their OB provider for medication management. You will never be scolded about bringing up mood symptoms related to parenting. We will be glad that you asked!
