Tips for Dads, Partners and Families
If your loved one doesn't seem like herself after delivery, she could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). As someone close to a new mom, keep in mind that postpartum depression can affect women any time during the first year after giving birth.
Signs that a new mother may be depressed:
- Crying spells
- Sadness, hopelessness
- Feeling overwhelmed by the simplest task
- Feeling anxious/panicky
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Changes in appetite
- Poor concentration
- Feeling like a bad mother
- Thoughts of harming herself or her baby
How you can help:
- Listen - allow her to openly express her feelings. Accept her need to cry.
- Support - Ask her how you can help. Suggestions that might be given may include: providing meals, doing laundry and housework, running errands and babysitting so she can have a break.
- Encourage her to find compassionate health professionals. Offer to go with her for added support.
- Educate yourself about postpartum depression
- Be patient - Recovery from postpartum depression may take some time. You may need to talk to someone for support.
What doesn't help:
- Criticizing or judging makes her feel guilty and ashamed. It's important for her to understand that it isn't her fault.
- Denying her problem by saying "You should be happy to have this baby" will not make it go away. It will only get worse.
- Not supporting her will make her feel rejected. She needs you to accept her no matter what.
- Do not tell her what to feel and what not to feel. She needs you to accept and confirm her feelings.
