Postpartum Depression

Question 1

Is it normal for women to experience sadness in the days after giving birth?

Answer 1

yes, almost every woman notices some immediate feelings of sadness (1-10 days)

Question 2

What is postpartum depression?

Answer 2

period of depression lasting more than 2 weeks after childbirth, commonly occurs during first 3 months after childhood but can occur anytime during the year after childbirth

Question 3

What are signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?

Answer 3

• extreme fatigue
• inability to stop crying
• increased anxiety about own or infant health
• insecurity (doesn’t want to be left alone)
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

those of depression:

• changes in appetite
• changes in sleep
• feelings of worthlessness
• inability to concentrate
• loss of pleasure
• thoughts of suicide

Question 4

What are barriers to recognizing and treating postpartum depression?

Answer 4

• stigma

- lack of education

Question 5

What are risk factors for postpartum depression?

Answer 5

• a history of depression or other mental illness (although prior PPD reduces risk because it means patient receives education)
• low self-esteem
• troubled childhood
• stress at home/work
• lack of effective support
• different expectations between partners
• disappointment in child
• teen pregnancy
• lower level of education
• difficult births, birth defects

Question 6

Why is treatment of postpartum depression important?

Answer 6

• it can interfere with critical bonding time with child

- it can interfere with feeding and caring for the child

Question 7

How can we assess for postpartum depression? When should we do this?

Answer 7

• use Edinburg Postnatal Depression scale to assess

- assess throughout (not just once in postpartum period)

Question 8

How is postpartum depression treated?

Answer 8

• counselling
• antidepressant medications: tricyclics have lowest levels that pass into breast milk, SSRIs have higher levels in breast milk

Question 9

Can men experience postpartum depression?

Answer 9

yes, about 10% of postpartum depression occurs in men

Question 10

What are some visual cues that may prompt you to assess for postpartum depression?

Answer 10

• flat affect
• doesn’t hold infant
• cannot focus or follow commands
• looks as though she was crying, not sleeping, generally unkempt

Question 11

What causes postpartum depression?

Answer 11

unknown - likely related to hormone changes and life stresses