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Last Updated: Apr 13th, 2009 - 09:30:59 |
DISABILITY NEWS
MORE THAN JUST BABY BLUES
It seems like every time one turns on the TV, there is more news about the octomom and her large family. It makes one wonder how difficult is to cope with eight newborns along with several other toddlers. One does not have to have eight babies to experience a variety of emotional difficulties following giving birth. It is not uncommon for women to experience the baby blues following giving birth. This is a condition that lasts only a few days or weeks and can include such things as mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, crying, decreased concentration and trouble sleeping.
Significantly more serious than the baby blues is port partum depression. Interestingly, new research finds that multiple births are a risk factor for PPD. In an April 1, 2009 study in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers analyzed data from more than 8000 mothers and found that mothers of multiple births had a 43% greater likelihood of having moderate or severe PPD symptoms when compared to mothers of single babies. The study suggested that part of the problem may be due to a lack of sleep which is exacerbated by the number of babies needing attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no single cause for PPD. It is felt that a number of factors may contribute to the development of the condition. These include the following:
Physical Changes- After childbirth there is a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone which may contribute to the PPD. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland may also drop. This leaves one felling tired, sluggish and depressed. Changes in blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism can lead to fatigue and mood swings.
Emotional Factors Sleep deprivation and just being overwhelmed can make it difficult to deal with even minor problems. Anxiety may develop around ones ability to care for the newborn. The feeling of being less attractive in addition to the feeling that life is out of control can lead to PPD.
Lifestyle influences A demanding baby, jealously from older siblings, difficulty with breast feeding, exhaustion, financial problems, and lack of support from partner or family can lead to PPD.
There are risk factors in developing PPD including a history of depression, stressful events during the past year, marital conflict, weak support system, or that the pregnancy was unplanned. Finally, having bipolar disorder increases the risk of developing PPD.
PPD can appear to be baby blues at first. However, it lasts longer and the symptoms are more severe than baby blues. Eventually, it becomes difficult to deal with even routine daily tasks. Some of the symptoms of PPD are:
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Intense irritability and anger
Overwhelming fatigue
Loss of interest in sex
Lack of joy in life
Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
Severe mood swings
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Withdrawal from family and friends
Thoughts of harming self or baby
There is a rare condition that typically develops within the first two weeks of giving birth, and the symptoms are even more severe than PPD. Postpartum psychosis may include:
Confusion and disorientation
Hallucinations and delusions
Paranoia
Attempts to harm self or baby
Most medical experts will tell you that if the depressive feeling after birth does not fade within a few weeks, and they are interfering with the ability to do simple daily tasks, it is time to consult a medical professional. Treatments can include counseling, the use of antidepressants, as well as hormone treatment.
Comments? Trish-blair@redwoods.edu
Quotation of the Week
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."
(Eda J. Le Shan)
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