Postpartum Depression in Philadelphia
0 commentsPostpartum 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 others are not prepared for the wide range of negative feelings that they are experiencing. Pregnancy and motherhood were supposed to be a joyous life stage. Unfortunately, motherhood is often only discussed is positive terms, thus setting up unrealistic expectations, and making women with negative thoughts feel isolated. Do not place yourself at risk. Learn more about the risk factors.
If your are experiencing postpartum depression, help is available. Do not be shy about asking for support. Sometimes simply getting to know other new moms and really talking is enough. For others, having a support person caretake for you, so that you can devote your energies towards the newborn is enough. Sometimes, even with the 'perfect' support system, you may still experience postpartum depression. If you are struggling, professional help may be needed.
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.
In Philadelphia, we often run a postpartum depression support group. In addition, The Child and Parent Center at Pennsylvania Hospital offers many "mommy and me" classes designed for new moms along with some breastfeeding classes. While the mommy and me classes and breastfeeding support groups do not specifically address the postpartum depression issue, what they do is offer you a formal way of getting to know new mom's and hear their stories. Lastly, getting to know other mom's will help you gain some perspective about what is normal.
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