Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

December 30, 2021

The postpartum journey can be very overwhelming. Knowing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression can help you identify if you are experiencing it yourself.

This post will outline:

– Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

– Difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression

– Different ways you can help address it and/or prevent it

If you are experiencing the below symptoms for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor, nurse or midwife. Additionally you can check out some of the resources listed further down in this post.

It is important to know that any women can become depressed postpartum and it is not any reflection on you as a mother. Between 10-15% of women will have postpartum depression in Canada. It does not mean you are a bad mom if you are suffering from postpartum depression. “A mother’s stress level during pregnancy, the availability of support after pregnancy, and a prior diagnosis of depression were the characteristics that had the strongest significant association with the development of PPDS.” (Lanes et al, 2011)

Asking and seeking help can help you to get better faster.

Postpartum depression usually begins within the first month after birth but it is important to note that it can start during pregnancy and up to a year after birth.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

Feeling restless or moody
Feeling sad, hopeless or overwhelmed
Having thoughts of hurting yourself
Having thoughts of hurting the baby
Feeling worthless, guilty or like a bad mother

Signs of Postpartum Depression:

Crying a lot
Eating too little or too much
Sleeping too much or too little
Having no energy or motivation
Having trouble focusing or making decisions
Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Withdrawing from friends and family
Headaches, aches and pains or stomach problems that don’t go away

There is a difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression.

Most women will get the baby blues which typically start a few days after birth and usually resolve within 3-5 days. The baby blues can present as:

Mood swings
Feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed
Having crying spells
Losing your appetite
Having trouble sleeping

These symptoms usually resolve within the first 3-5 days from when they begin. Feeling hopeless or empty for more than 5 days after childbirth is not a regular or expected part about being a mother, it may indicate that you are experiencing postpartum depression.

What to do if you are experiencing symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

Call your doctor, nurse, midwife or pediatrician (you can also have a loved one or partner call for you if necessary)
Try to rest when you can – let others help you to get things done. Try not to do everything on your own
Talk about how you are feeling to trusted loved ones such as friends and family
Reach out to other mothers or a support group to discuss how you’re feeling
If you or your family is in crisis, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital

Some ways to help prevent the onset of Postpartum Depression:

Similar to the list above, it’s important to rest, lean on friends and family and take time to connect with yourself and other mothers.
Joining support groups/mom groups
Seeing a therapist to discuss this transition
Returning to exercise and activity
Taking time (even very short periods of time) to reconnect to yourself (could be taking a shower, reading a book, doing your hair – literally anything that brings you joy in yourself)

It has been proven that people who join a group that does exercise together can improve well being scores and reducing depressive symptoms. (Norman et al, 2010)

The Maternix Postpartum Course is a 5-week course where you will join other postpartum mamas in learning about your body, the changes and healing that occur during pregnancy and postpartum as well as exercises that will help you recover better postpartum. Maternix members are encouraged to ask questions, discuss what they are experiencing and share stories & experiences with others. Maternix courses are specifically designed to help you prevent common issues during the postpartum period and assist you in reconnecting with yourself and others, helping to improve mood and self-confidence.

You don’t have to deal with this alone. There are wonderful resources and providers out there who can help you through this time. Check out one of Maternix Partners, Eva Wellness – Maternal Mental Health Services for additional services and resources.

Check out the Maternix Postpartum Course HERE to learn more!

The Edinburgh Scale below is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the likelihood of postpartum depression. You can run through the questionnaire and see where you score on the guide at the bottom.