Post Natal Depression and the Baby Blues

The Baby Blues typically presents in the first few days after delivery and is usually gone by 3-4 weeks. The huge hormonal changes that are going on in your body as well as the discomfort relating to the birth; sleep deprivation and constant demand, all combine to cause the Baby Blues which mostly resolve without treatment.

Post Natal Depression is very common, and up to 1 in 4 women may be affected.

Look out for these signs which may indicate that you may have PND:

• Anxiety about things that wouldn’t normally bother you.
• You get no pleasure from your baby and may even feel hostile towards him/her.
• You feel anxious about your baby’s health and think that you’re a terrible mother.
• You feel exhausted, and you lack motivation
• You feel trapped in your life
• Irritability
• Tearfulness and loneliness
• You struggle to get to sleep, or you wake early
• Panic attacks
• Stomach pains, headache or blurred vision
• Low sex drive

If you are experiencing these feelings or signs, please talk to someone, preferably your GP or gynaecologist. Don’t try to cope on your own as PND responds well to treatment.