Working Through
Postpartum Depression

Having a baby can be a roller coaster of powerful emotions. Whether it is your first or fourth time giving birth, the days and weeks after childbirth can be as overwhelming as they are full of joy. It can also result in feelings you may not expect as a new mom – sadness and depression. You may be experiencing symptoms of Postpartum Depression if you are experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness and emptiness.

Mood Changes and Postpartum Depression

After childbirth you may experience mood changes and fluctuations. These mood changes are often caused by hormonal shifts occurring during pregnancy and after childbirth. The estrogen and progesterone levels that increased during pregnancy suddenly drop after a baby is born, and this can significantly affect mood. In most cases, hormone levels are restored to their pre-pregnancy levels within a week or so, and mood can improve on its own.

It can be natural to feel sad or out of sorts after childbirth. While this is an exciting time it is a time of change which can be stressful. If your sadness does not go away or lasts throughout most of the days more often than not for over two weeks, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or emptiness after giving birth can be upsetting, therapy can help.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Motherhood can be a time of excitement and happiness; it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Approximately 15 percent of new mothers will experience postpartum depression. Certain factors can increase the chances of experiencing the condition.

The following risk factors are linked to postpartum depression:

  • Prenatal depression
  • Prenatal anxiety
  • Previous history of depression
  • Family history of mood disorders
  • Depression during pregnancy
  • Recent or current stressful life events
  • Inadequate social support
  • Marital distress
  • Domestic violence
  • Low self-esteem
  • Financial difficulties
  • Lack of childcare
  • Difficult infant temperament
  • Infant health concerns
  • Single marital status
  • Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
  • Lower socioeconomic status
  • Poor nutrition

Apart from the adverse effects on the mother’s perinatal well-being, postpartum depression can also affect the baby’s physical and cognitive development. Depression can lead to poor infant feeding practices that can lead to malnutrition and stunted physical growth, lower levels of mother and child interaction and bonding, chronic stress, and decreased social engagement.

Can Counseling Help with Postpartum Depression?

Giving birth to a new child is often thought of as being a happy time. Feeling low, irritable, moody, exhausted, and uninterested in bonding with your newborn infant can be frightening. You may feel excessively worried about your baby or be troubled by intrusive negative thoughts. You may feel guilty for these feelings and thoughts, and yet not feel that you can stop them.

Postpartum depression is difficult, but you are not alone. It is not a character flaw or a weakness, and it does not mean you’re a bad parent. You have options. Seeking counseling for PPD is in your hands. Therapy can help you resolve and overcome postpartum depression.

Reach out to Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. The independently contracted therapists with CCS can help you find relief. Early intervention can make a world of difference, don’t wait. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC to schedule your first appointment.

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