$Unique_ID{BRK01024}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does Depression Go Along With Having a Baby?}
$Subject{depression postpartum baby blues Mental Emotional psychological
Pregnancy Childbirth hormonal irritability sleep sleeping appetite fatigue
antidepressant antidepressants behavior behaviors behavioral}
$Volume{K-23}
$Log{}

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


Does Depression Go Along With Having a Baby?


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QUESTION:  We have an adorable new, 1 month old daughter, but my wife seems to
have lost interest in the baby.  She no longer holds the baby very much, and
neglects all the little things that are necessary to care for the child.  My
wife claims she is just too tired, but she now has begun skipping her own
meals and is touchy and irritable.  Does this all go along with having the
baby and will it soon pass?  I am worried.

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ANSWER:  While most people recognize the "baby blues" which many women
experience during the first week after childbirth, a more serious type of
"postpartum depression" often goes undiagnosed and untreated.  There are many
changes which occur immediately after a baby arrives, including modifications
in a woman's internal chemistry, brought about by hormones as she gets back to
normal.  Certainly life has changed at your house, with feeding schedules and
all the demands on your attention that a baby brings.  It can sometimes be
overwhelming to a new mother, and a new father too.  However when mood changes
come on from two to six weeks after the birth, when symptoms of irritability,
sleep disturbance, lack of appetite and chronic fatigue continue for more than
just a day or two, medical attention may be in order.  While it is not an
uncommon situation, occurring about 10 percent of the time, it is a real
depression, and as such should be treated.  It is fortunate that you have
realized that something is wrong, for in many cases the father, reacting to
the mood swings of his wife, can become withdrawn and angry as well.  Schedule
a visit with your physician for your wife.  It usually only takes a bit of
counseling and therapy for the short term, before things begin to straighten
out.  While not always needed, antidepressant medication may be used to help
over this difficult period.  The good news is that these treatments are very
effective, and that happy outcomes are the rule.

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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.