How to Tell if it's Postpartum Depression or Baby Blues

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in postpartum women.

I recently heard a disturbing quote online:

When it comes to childbirth, moms are the wrapper and the baby is the candy. As soon as the candy comes out, we throw the wrapper away.

Wow. It’s such a sad way to describe what happens to moms after birth but it’s true for so many of us. Everyone wants to see and touch the baby, they want to know how the baby is doing and feeding and sleeping while moms just answer in their postpartum haze. I remember feeling this after my first baby was born- I was delivering the first grandbaby in the family so of course I was treated like a goddess while I was pregnant! But when the baby arrived everyone who visited made a beeline to her because, quite frankly- she was a lot cuter than me.

DOWNLOAD THE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION TEST HERE.

Maternal mental health isn’t exactly a sexy subject. Let’s be honest: society seems more interested in talking about the Kardashians and that hot mess that runs the United States. But the truth is that the statistics for mental health disorders in pregnant and postpartum women are startling.

In Ontario, the most recent statistics tell us:

• About 17% of pregnant women are suffering from a mental health disorder.
• Of those 17%, most widely reported is anxiety and depression
• About 1 in every 20 women will experience postpartum depression
• If a woman has already experienced postpartum depression, she’s more likely to experience it again
• Up to 80% of all women will experience some form of a postpartum mood disorder- those range from baby blues to postpartum psychosis.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in postpartum women.

These statistics are terrifying.

How are we glossing over the well-being of pregnant and new moms? Are the maternity clothes and the coolest new baby gadgets more important? Social media isn’t helping women speak out, either: it’s hard to be raw and honest while curating a beautiful Instagram feed. Mental health isn’t always a beautiful topic. Please take a moment to think about all the pregnant and new moms in your circle. How are they really doing? If you’re not sure,  ask them today.

DOWNLOAD THE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION TEST HERE.

In honour of all of the women who have suffered from some form of postpartum depression or anxiety, I am providing a copy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Use it during pregnancy and postpartum: It’s only 10 questions. Print it off, answer the questions honestly and take it to your care provider for follow up.

As a nurse I know how hard it is for women to open up during a 15-minute appointment, especially if you have a newborn with you.

To all the women who have spoken out about their experiences: you are all so strong and inspiring. Keep sharing your stories so other women can see themselves in you.

HEY MAMA- wondering why you're so damn exhausted since your baby came along? You may be suffering from postpartum exhaustion for YEARS after your birth. Click to read more about it:

ALL ABOUT POSTPARTUM EXHAUSTION

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