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Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression in Philadelphia: is motherhood not what you expected? Are you feeling fatigued, anxious, depressed, extreme sadness, worried, guilty or simply not yourself? Many pregnant women and new mothers are not prepared for the wide range of negative feelings that they are experiencing. Pregnancy and motherhood were supposed to be wonderful. Because motherhood is typically discussed only in positive terms, many women have unrealistic expectations. Therefore when new mothers’ experience the full range of emotions (both positive and negative) they feel isolated. Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression is a time when support from others is most needed and often least sought out. Get to know the risk factors of prenatal depression,

On the journey to parenthood, we strongly recommend becoming educated about typical issues that pregnant mothers / new moms and fathers experience. For example, the decision to breastfeed or give your child formula, handling friends and family who love you, but are not helpful, or offer unwanted advice, hiring a doula to help with the birth of the child or identifying basic strategies for surviving the first few months of motherhood. everyone will experience the journey through parenthood the same. Each of us are unique, however, we can learn from one another as to how other people have experienced similar issues and survived it. Learn basic support techniques.

If you are experiencing baby blues or postpartum depression, help is available. Do not be shy about asking for support. Support can come in many different forms:

• Spending time with other new moms
• Joining a new mom’s group
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Asking a loved one to care for your basic needs (cooking, cleaning, watching the baby while you sleep) while you focus your energy on caring for the newborn
• Medication

To determine if you are most likely experiencing typical baby blues or something more serious like postpartum depression. take our postpartum depression quiz, . In either scenario, we strongly encourage you to force yourself to get out of the house and socialize with other new moms. If you can't physically leave the house, than at least pick up the telephone and call a friend. If you do not help yourself, your baby may suffer. You need to care for yourself so that you will have enough energy to care for your child. If at any point you feel like you or your child is in danger go to the closest ER. Additionally if you are experiencing postpartum psychosis immediate help is required.

Remember, depression after the birth of a child, according to research is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. One out of eight women experience it. Feelings of depression, while unsettling are frequently temporary and treatable with the help of professional care and / or a social support group.

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