Recognizing the Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis

While only 1 - 2 mothers in 1,000 may experience postpartum psychosis, the consequences may be deadly for the child and for the mother.

Postpartum Psychosis Disorder (PPD) has the potential for leading to infanticide (killing of infants), as in the case of Andrea Yates, or to suicide of the mother, as in the case of Melanie Blocker-Stokes. Treating and preventing postpartum psychosis can help in preventing unnecessary postpartum deaths. In 2001 Melanie Blocker-Stokes jumped to her death from a 12th story window less than six weeks after the birth of her daughter. (See more on Melanie Blocker-Stokes on the prior page.)

The Baby Blues

The Baby Blues generally occur in the days following childbirth and normally go away within a few days to a week. Estimates are that 50 - 80 percent of women may experience the "Baby Blues" some minor mood changes following the birth of a child often occurring as the hormones in a woman's body adjust from being pregnant to not being pregnant.

Symptoms of the Baby Blues
The National Women's Health Information Center lists the following symptoms that may be found in a new mother:

• Sudden mood swings

• Sadness

• Crying spells

• Loss of appetite

• Sleep problems

• Feeling irritable

• Restlessness

• Anxious

• Loneliness

Postpartum Depression

About 10 - 20 percent of women experience Postpartum depression.

The National Women's Health Information Center advises that postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year after childbirth. A woman may have a number of symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that postpartum depression often affects a woman's overall well-being and keeps her from functioning well for a longer period of time, which ultimately impacts the health of the baby.

Symptoms of Depression
The National Women's Health Information Center lists the following symptoms of depression. A woman may be depressed if she has any of the following symptoms either during or after pregnancy that last longer than two weeks:

• Feeling restless or irritable

• Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed

• Crying a lot

• Having no energy or motivation

• Eating too little or too much

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions

• Feeling worthless and guilty

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)

After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself and not having any interest in the baby. These may be signs of a more rare condition, Postpartum Psychosis.

Postpartum Psychosis

In comparison Postpartum psychosis is much more rare, occurring in 1 - 2 out of every 1000 births. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder or other psychiatric problems are at greater risk for developing postpartum psychosis.

Additional Symptoms of Psychosis
The National Women's Health Information Center lists the following additional symptoms of Postpartum psychosis:

• Delusions

• Hallucinations

• Sleep disturbances

• Obsessive thoughts about the baby.

Treatment Recommendations

The Baby Blues
Symptoms of the Baby Blues are generally not severe and treatment isn't needed. Some things the new mother can do to feel better.

• Nap when the baby does.

• Ask for help from your spouse, family members, and friends.

• Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms.

Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Psychosis
On the other hand, Postpartum depression or Postpartum Psychosis need to be treated by a doctor. Counseling, support groups, and medicines are treatment options that can help.
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The first page looks at how the PostPartum Defense was used to find Andrea Yates not guilty of murdering her 5 children.

The next page looks at some of the legislation that has been enacted about Postpartum Depression in response to the death of Melanie Blocker-Stokes.
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More on Post Partum Depression - From About's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, Robin Elise Weiss

• Postpartum Psychosis to blame for murdered Houston children?
• The Good News about Postpartum Depression
• Am I at risk for Postpartum Depression?

Sources:
NIH. Understanding Postpartum Depression: Common but Treatable. December 2005. 29 August 2006. <http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2005/December2005/docs/01features_02.htm>
The National Women's Health Information Center. Depression During and After Pregnancy. April 2005. 29 August 2006. <http://www.4woman.gov/faq/postpartum.htm#5>