Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is a significant life change – everything from sleep habits, household chores, to relationship dynamics all change, and that can be very challenging. Mood swings are a normal part of this transition, however, some women (and even men too) may experience a prolonged period of more significantly low mood, which can be postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression (PPD): is the onset of depressive symptoms within the first 12 months following a live birth.  Depressive symptoms include:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue/loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Cognitive impairment
• Suicidal ideation or behavior

PPD and Sleep Deprivation

One of the real challenges with PPD is that sleep deprivation can look very similar. As of a friend of mine mentioned after having a baby,

“No book mentioned how hard having a baby was going to be on my relationship”.

 When our capacity is low – which happens when we are sleep deprived  – any upset, can feel overwhelming and significant. Combine low capacity with hormonal fluctuations and a complete life overhaul, and that is a recipe to change anyone’s mood!

What can I do?

One thing I tell all my expectant moms is that a huge predictor for PPD is whether a woman (or man) has support postpartum – so ask for help!

If you’re expecting a new addition to the family, then think about who you feel comfortable with doing your dirty laundry, or making food, or shoveling snow, or holding the baby while you take a shower. We weren’t meant to have babies in isolation, so think about who’s in your community and how you can find support.

Talk therapy is another awesome way to build a community and get support.  Whether it’s Skype-ing with family across the ocean, or joining a mom group, or having coffee with a friend; talking about how you feel can not only relieve feelings of low mood, but allows others to offer support.

Getting outside and seeing the sun is another (free!) way to boost the mood. Not only does exercise boost endorphins to make us feel good, but sunshine offers Vitamin D which has been shown to improve low mood.

When to seek Professional Support

If these symptoms persist and/or result in changes to one’s ability to care for their infant, then it may be worth seeking some professional support. We want you to know that you are not alone – we are here to help.

So whether you, or someone you know, is struggling with low mood postpartum, know that there are lots of options to help them feel more like themselves.

In health,

Dr Chanel Cressman, ND

*During September-May I recommend taking a Vitamin D supplement as we are unable to get it from the sun.