Having a baby is one of life’s most incredible moments—a time filled with joy, wonder, and a little (or a lot!) of anxiety. But for many new moms, this journey also brings unexpected feelings that can be hard to talk about, like overwhelming sadness, worry, or disconnection.
These aren’t just “baby blues”; they may be signs of postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects countless moms and can have an impact on both mom and baby’s well-being.
In this article of Revive Health Recovery, we’ll dive into what PPD is, explore effective postpartum depression treatments, and share ways to navigate this challenging time. So, grab a cozy spot, and let’s explore what might be the first step to feeling like yourself again.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a health condition that affects many women after giving birth. It involves strong feelings of sadness, worry, and exhaustion that last for a while after giving birth, making it hard to care for yourself and your baby. PPD can begin anytime after childbirth, often starting 1 to 3 weeks after delivery, and needs treatment to improve.
PPD is a type of perinatal depression, which includes depression during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth. It’s the most common complication for new mothers, affecting about 1 in 7 women (around 15 percent).
Is Postpartum Depression the Same with Baby Blues?
No, PPD is different from the baby blues. Baby blues are normal feelings of sadness that can happen shortly after having a baby, usually starting 2 to 3 days after birth and lasting up to 2 weeks. You might have trouble sleeping, feel moody, or cry a lot.
If your sadness lasts longer than 2 weeks, let your doctor know—they can check if you have PPD, which is more serious and lasts longer than the baby blues.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression usually show up within a few weeks after giving birth, but they can also start during pregnancy or even a year after birth.
Signs of PPD may include:
- Feeling very sad or having mood swings
- Crying a lot
- Trouble bonding with your baby
- Pulling away from family and friends
- Eating too little or too much
- Difficulty sleeping (or sleeping too much)
- Extreme tiredness or low energy
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling very irritable or angry
- Worrying you’re not a good mom
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Thoughts about death or suicide
If untreated, PPD can last for many months or even longer.
What Are the Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression?
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will definitely have PPD, but it can increase your chances.
Here are some risk factors for PPD:
- History of depression: If you had depression during pregnancy, had a mental health condition before, or if depression runs in your family.
- Past trauma: If you’ve been physically or sexually abused or have problems with your partner, like domestic violence.
- Life stress: Things like being separated from your partner, losing a loved one, having low income, being unemployed, or feeling alone.
- Diabetes: Diabetes before pregnancy (pregestational) or gestational diabetes (which some women get during pregnancy).
- Pregnancy complications: Premature birth, multiples (like twins), birth defects, or pregnancy loss.
- Unhealthy habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using harmful drugs.
- Challenges with your baby: Having trouble breastfeeding or caring for your baby, or if your baby is sick or has health issues.
Negative thoughts about motherhood include:
- Doubting you’ll be a good mom
- Putting pressure on yourself to be perfect
- Feeling like you’re not the same person as before
- Feeling less attractive after birth
- Having no free time for yourself
- Feeling tired and moody due to lack of sleep
Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. They’re there to help you and your baby stay healthy.
Professional Postpartum Depression Treatment Options
Postpartum depression treatment depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication, talk therapy (or mental health professional counseling), or both. How long treatment and recovery take will vary based on how severe your depression is and your personal needs.
If you have another health issue, like an underactive thyroid, your doctor may treat that or refer you to a specialist. They may also refer you to a mental health professional for extra support.
Therapy Options for Postpartum Depression
Hormone therapy
After having a baby, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop quickly. Estrogen is important for your menstrual cycle and pregnancy, but it decreases a lot right after childbirth. Some researchers think that this big drop in hormones might be a reason why people develop postpartum depression.
To help with PPD, your doctor might suggest wearing an estrogen patch on your skin to replace some of the estrogen you lost. If you’re breastfeeding, ask your doctor if it’s safe because estrogen can pass to your baby through breast milk.
Psychotherapy
Talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or another mental health professional can help with postpartum depression treatment. In therapy, you can learn ways to handle your feelings, solve problems, set goals, and respond to things in a more positive way. Family or relationship therapy may also be helpful. Two types of therapy often used for postpartum depression are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.
Antidepressants
Your doctor may suggest taking an antidepressant. If you’re breastfeeding, the medicine you take can pass into your breast milk, but most antidepressants are safe to use with very little risk for your baby. Talk with your doctor to decide on the best option for you.
Sometimes, other medicines are added if needed. For example, if your postpartum depression includes strong anxiety or trouble sleeping, you might take an anti-anxiety medicine for a short time.
What is Natural Postpartum Depression Treatment?
After seeing your doctor, you might be curious if natural remedies can help with postpartum depression treatment. While some options exist, PPD usually isn’t something you can handle alone. Be sure to tell your doctor about anything you’re using as part of your treatment plan.
Natural Remedies
Vitamins
Omega-3 fatty acids might help with postpartum depression (PPD), according to researchers. A recent study found that low omega-3 intake could be linked to PPD. During pregnancy and after birth, omega-3 levels in the body are often used up. To increase omega-3s, you can try supplements and eat foods like:
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Other oily fish
Herbal Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t check herbal supplements, so it’s important to read labels carefully and talk to your doctor before using any herbal supplement.
Some people think St. John’s wort can help with depression, but the evidence is mixed, and it may not be safe to use while breastfeeding. It’s best to avoid taking this supplement unless your doctor says it’s okay. More research is needed to understand its benefits and risks.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some lifestyle changes can support your postpartum depression treatment and help with your recovery.
Stay Healthy and Fit
- Do something active every day, like going for a walk or visiting the gym.
- Eat healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, and lean meats. Try to eat fewer sweets and salty snacks.
- Get as much rest as you can—try to sleep when your baby sleeps.
- Avoid alcohol (beer, wine, liquor). Alcohol can slow down your body and make you feel more depressed. It can also interact with PPD medicine and isn’t safe while breastfeeding, as it can pass to your baby through breast milk.
- Don’t use street drugs. They can interfere with your PPD medicine and can also pass to your baby through breast milk.
Lower Your Stress
- Do things you enjoyed before having your baby, like listening to music, reading a good book, or taking a class. Try to do things that made you feel good about yourself before you were pregnant.
- Avoid making big life changes right after having your baby, like moving or changing jobs. These big changes can add stress that you don’t need right now.
- When it’s time to go back to work, talk to your boss about options. You might be able to work from home or start part-time to make it easier.
Make Time for Yourself
When you have a baby, it’s easy to forget to take time for yourself. Try to make a habit of getting dressed, leaving the house, and doing something on your own, like running an errand or visiting a friend.
Set Achievable Goals
It’s okay to leave the dishes and toys for later. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect. Set small, realistic goals and focus on crossing off a few tasks from your to-do list.
Share Your Feelings
Don’t hold your feelings inside or isolate yourself. Share what you’re going through with your partner, a friend, or a family member. If that feels hard, consider joining a PPD support group. Your doctor may know of local groups, or you can look for support online.
How to Cope with Postpartum Depression?
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed—parenting has its challenges, and taking care of a new baby isn’t easy. If you’re feeling down, remember you don’t have to handle it alone. Your doctor can help you find the best postpartum depression treatment for you.
Here are some ways to manage postpartum depression:
- Talk to someone, like a therapist, friend, or family member who will listen and support you.
- Join a support group for new parents.
- Eat healthy and try to get some exercise.
- Make time for rest.
- Spend time with friends, in person or on the phone.
- Do something you enjoy, like reading or another hobby.
- Get help with household tasks or errands.
Conclusion
Postpartum depression treatment is available for new moms who experience deep sadness, anxiety, and trouble bonding with their baby. PPD is serious but treatable. Recognizing it early and getting help—like therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes—can really help manage symptoms and support recovery.
Taking care of your mental health is a strong step toward feeling better and being able to care for yourself and your baby. Remember, PPD is manageable, and there’s support to help you through this journey.
