Other survival tip areas:
• Breastfeeding
• Sleep and Settling Strategies
• Biting
• When your Baby (under 4 months) cries
• Toddler Behaviour
• Toddler Nutrition
• Tips for Introducing Solids (PDF)
• Wrapping your Baby

Postnatal Depression in PDF format
	Postnatal Depression

Postnatal Depression:

WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?

Postnatal depressions refers to an episode of clinical depression in the first year after childbirth. It affects up to 1 in 5 women who have had a baby. It is different from the ‘baby blues’ which usually occur in the first two weeks after a baby is born.

It can occur after the birth of any baby, not only the first. Symptoms may actually begin before the birth of your baby, or continue after the ‘baby blues’ or start several months later.

The symptoms of postnatal depression include feelings of:

• Sadness
  
• Anxiety or panic
  
• Anger
  
• Numbness
  
• Guilt
  
• Inadequacy
  
• Helplessness
  
• Isolation
  
• Hopelessness
  
• Fear of the baby or harm occurring to the baby
  

In addition, women with postnatal depression may experience:

• Inability to sleep or excessive sleep
  
• Appetite change
  
• Lack of concentration
  
• Poor memory
  
• Chronic exhaustion or hyperactivity
  
• Lack of interest or pleasure in activities
  
• Low motivation
• Withdrawal from social contacts
  

The onset of postnatal depression appears to be associated with changes in hormone levels and the physical, psychological and social adjustments that occur around childbirth.

Many women suffer these symptoms in silence in the belief that they are the only one to feel this way or that nothing can be done to help them. Many feel ashamed if they are not coping with motherhood, expecting that this should be a happy time. Others are reassured by well-intentioned friends and family that what they are experiencing is simply a part of the ‘normal’ adjustment to motherhood.

While it is normal for mothers to feel exhausted and overwhelmed at times, if these feelings last more than two weeks do not hesitate to seek help

.If untreated, symptoms may develop into a chronic depression.

WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?

One of the first things you may be asked to do is complete a set of ten questions which is known as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – health professionals may use this to discuss with you the best option for you to get well.

Other management options include anti-depressant medication, counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, couple counselling and alternative therapies.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At Karitane we offer a range of services for women experiencing postnatal depression and their families. Women must be referred by a health professional.

Services include:

• Clinical assessment
  
• Individual counselling and therapy for mothers
  
• Individual counselling for partners
  
• Postnatal depression group
  
• Family counselling
  
• Parent-infant therapy
  
• Parentcraft consultancy

Where appropriate, treatment with antidepressant medication can be arranged through referral back to your General Practitioner or to a Psychiatrist specialising in perinatal issues.

COMMON MOTHERHOOD MYTHS

• A woman will intuitively know how to mother.
  
• Motherhood is romantic.
  
• The woman is responsible for a “happy” family.
  
• Children are needed to make a “happy” marriage.
  
• A mother’s worth is judged by the behaviour of her baby.
  
• Mothering must be 24 hours a day.
  
• Women at home have more time to do things.
  
• Mothers should know how to control children.
  
• A mother “copes” no matter what.
  
• A mother is selfish if she expresses her own needs.

If you think you may have postnatal depression or at any other time you require help please consult your

• Early Childhood Nurse
  
• General Practitioner
  
• Karitane

References, further reading and viewing

Bishop, L. (1999). Families in Turmoil, Halstead Press, Rushcutters Bay.

Buist, A. (1996). Psychiatric Disorders Associated with Childbirth: a guide to management, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Roseville.

Milgrom, J, Martin, P.R. & Negri, L.M. (1999). Treating Postnatal Depression: a psychological approach for health care professionals, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester.

Murray, L. & Cooper, P.J. (1997). Postpartum Depression and Child Development, The Guildford Press, New York.

Pacific Postpartum Support Society. (2001). Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: A Self Help Guide for Mothers, 5th Edn., Pacific Postpartum Support Society.

What do you mean I've changed (Video) (Undated) St John of God, Burwood.

Top of Page
Last modified: Tuesday, 17 June 2003