• Begins within first days of giving birth and usually resolves itself within 2 weeks.
• Symptoms include: crying spells, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depressed mood, poor concentration

Some symptoms include: prolonged baby blues; unexplained weight change; loss of interest or pleasure in life; change in appetite; decresed energy; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions; scary thoughts or dreams.

Who is at Risk for PPD?

• Women with a personal and/or family history of depression have the greatest risk of developing PPD (50%).
• Other Risk Factors might include: Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy; significant loss or life-stress within the last year; Prior fetal loss; unexplained birth outcomes or difficult birth; marital conflict or single parent; lack of social suppot; fatigue or difficulty sleeping; infant with health problems; or poor maternal health.

Why is PPD not talked about?

• Depressed women might feel ashamed when they are not overjoyed with a new child
• Difficult to talk about their depression because of the high expectations that society places on them.

PPD Affects the Whole Family

Depressed moms may have negative emotional expressions and an insensitive and unresponsive parenting style. This may cause stress on the relationship between mom and other family members.

How does PPD affect the infant and/or children?

• The impact of untreated PPD on the emotional, cognitive, behavioural and social development of infants can have long lasting effects.
• PPD occurs at a time when maternal role is crucial to infant growth, development and social interaction.

What can help the infant and/or other children through this difficult time?

• Good relationships with fathers and/or grandparents can act as a protective factor.
• Children are resilient and can overcome adversity and achieve good outcomes if mother seeks help as early as possible.

How can PPD affect relationship with partner?

• PPD may cause feelings of helplessness and frustration in the partner because they may know something is wrong but not know the cause, or how to help.
• Partner may feel incapable of being supportive because they do not know what to do to help. Feelings of anger and frustration may emerge causing the couple to grow apart.

Preventative Measures against PPD

• Develop realistic expectations about motherhood
• Get as much sleep as possible
• Eat well
• Get exercise/go for a walk
• Making your needs a priority
• Develop/take advantage of a support network
• Become familiar with your limits and warning signs of stress-respond appropriately
• Talking to husband, partner, family, and friends about feelings
• Talking with other mothers who have overcome PPD and learn from their experiences.
• Setting limits with guests
• Not overdoing anything
• Asking for help with household chores and nighttime feedings
• Finding time to do something for yourself, even if it's only 15 minutes (eg. reading, exercising or taking a bath)

Treating PPD

• PPD is an illness that can be treated effectively.
• Recovery is the rule, not the exception!
• The aim of treatment is complete symptom remission, not just improvements
• Treatment length depends on when PPD was identified and severity of the depression.
• Treatment can begin as soon as a woman has been identified as having PPD.

What forms of treatment are available?
Treatment can include one or several of the following:

• Postpartum support or parenting groups
• Medications used to treat symptoms and anxiety
• Counseling/psychotherapy (individual or group)
• Hospitalizations under specific circumstances
• Treatment options should be discussed with your physician.
• Treatment should be monitored regularly. Consult with your physician before discontinuing or adjusting medication.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking anti-depressants?

• Consult with Motherisk at 1-416-813-6780 or visit www.motherisk.org
• The benefits of breastmilk usually outweigh the risks of taking medications.

• Begins suddenly within first few days and requires immediate attention and possible hospitalization.
• Symptoms include: hallucinations; delusions; agitation; inability to sleep; bizarre and irrational behaviour.
• Women with symptoms of postpartum psychosis should seek help immediately.

• Clinical characteristics may include: repetitive; intrusive thoughts of harming the baby, fear of being left alone with baby; and obsession in protecting the infant.
• Tends to be a recurrent condition, so at-risk women should be identified.

• May start during pregnancy or after birth. Symptoms may start suddenly or slowly. With support and reassurance these can decrease.
• Symptoms include: acute onset of anxiety, fear, rapid breathing, palpitations and a sense of doom
• Any women with a previous history of anxiety/panic attacks pre-pregnancy should inform their health care provider during pregnancy to prevent problems in both mother and infant.