What is postnatal depression?

‘I feel I cannot handle things well. My baby does not like me, s/he does not giggle when I play with him/her. I expected to feel closer than I do. My baby seems to cry all the time. My baby does things that bother me, My baby’s eating or sleeping is much harder than I thought it would be, others seem to manage all right, why can’t I?’ These are some of the things mothers say, who suffer from postnatal depression.

Post natal depression is one of the names used for the severe mood changes that a woman may experience after childbirth. The changes usually start within the first year. It is natural for any woman to experience mood changes after birth, but post natal depression is when the feelings last for more than two weeks, or are very severe, and have a significant negative affect on your life.

This is different to the feelings that are called the ‘baby blues', when you may feel down or weepy in the first few days after childbirth. At this time it is very common for women to feel high one moment and low the next. After all, your body, lifestyle and family have just undergone a massive change.

It is estimated that over 20% of all childbearing women suffer some form of emotional problem after the birth of their baby. That is a lot of women! The good news is that if you think you have ‘postnatal depression’, you can do something about it straight away.

Do I have postnatal depression?
Reasons for postnatal depression
Coping Strategies
Parent-Infant Counselling
Useful contacts

Consultations with Monika