$Unique_ID{BRK00724}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{A Case of the "Baby Blues"}
$Subject{baby blues postpartum depression psychoses Pregnancy Childbirth
Mental Emotional sadness irritability anxiety confusion disturbances sleep
patterns loss appetite crying spells hormones hormone hormonal behavior
behaviors babies}
$Volume{K-23, E-22}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Case of the "Baby Blues"


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QUESTION:  There should be nothing but joy in my heart over the birth of my
new daughter, but I am certainly not feeling myself.  My friends tell me this
is to be expected, but I need more than just these well meaning words of help.
Would you please explain what is happening to me?

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ANSWER:  It sounds like a case of the "baby blues", a period of mood changes
that can occur in the days and weeks following the birth of your child.  In
most cases, these feelings begin during the first postpartum week, may last
for but a few hours up to several days with the most severe symptoms occurring
about the sixth day after delivery, and then gradually disappearing.  The
symptoms are varied as well, including a feeling of sadness, irritability,
anxiety, periods of confusion, disturbances in sleep patterns, loss of
appetite, and even crying spells.  There are no clear cut explanations as to
the cause of this problem, but most researchers feel that the changing pattern
of hormones play an important role in these mood changes.  Postpartum blues
are very common, with up to 85% of new mothers experiencing one or more of the
symptoms.  There seems to be no long lasting negative effects, either to
mother or child.  You can probably reduce some of these feelings by following
a few simple tips.  Make sure you get enough rest, and cut back on some of the
other activities you thought you would be able to continue.  Babies require a
great deal of care, more than you might have imagined.  Try to avoid being
isolated; encourage friends and relatives to stop by for short visits, and
take a moment of to socialize.  Lastly, this is not a time to change any other
important factors in your life, such as moving or changing jobs.  Stability is
the name of the game.  There are two other emotional situations that may occur
after child birth; postpartum depression, and postpartum psychoses.  In both
the symptoms are more intense, longer lasting, and severe, and require the
attention of a physician.  Fortunately these are far less common, and your
description of symptoms clearly places you in the mild, common state that is
quickly gone.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.