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No thanksAre you Feeling...
There is help... You are not alone.
If you have some of these feelings, you may be depressed. Depression is common
after pregnancy and birth. Women often wonder why they feel sad during this
happy time. Many things can affect these feelings, such as physical conditions,
hormones, lack of support from other family members, or a colicky baby.
What are the baby blues?
Baby blues are very common. About 80% of new moms cry or feel overwhelmed. Some
women have lots of feelings, up and downs, like a rollercoaster, and it can
be a confusing time. Baby blues are unpleasant but usually go away within approximately
2 weeks. Talk to a nurse if the blues last more than 2 weeks.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is caused by a chemical and hormonal imbalance in the
brain and is a temporary illness that can be treated with caring, support, therapy,
and medication. About 1 in 10 new mothers feels depressed for more than a couple
of weeks. Depression can begin soon after birth or any time in the year after
birth. Postpartum depression affects not only the new mom, but the whole family.
Women with postpartum depression often feel hopeless, very tired, worthless,
like wanting to cry all the time, and/or worried all the time. They may be unable
to feel close to their baby, unable to sleep or sleep too much, unable to concentrate,
think about harming their baby or herself and/or have trouble taking care of
the baby.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is rare affecting 1 out of 100 women. Symptoms include
mood swings, disorganized behaviour, delusions and hallucinations, restlessness
and irritability. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical treatment.
Please seek medical help if you are concerned about either postpartum depression
or postpartum psychosis.
Where can you get help?
Community Crisis Care (24 hour access)
St. Catharines General Hospital
905-684-7271 ext. 3230
Family and Children's Services
Intake (24 hour access)
905-937-7731
Distress Centre
St. Catharines 905-688-3711
Grimsby/ West Lincoln 905-563-6674
Fort Erie 905-382-0689
Welland 905-734-1212
Talk to your family or close friend about how you are feeling. Take good care
of yourself by resting when you feel tired, eat well, exercise, and take time
for yourself.
Helpful Links
Healthy Ontario
www.healthyontario.com
Postpartum Support International
www.chss.iup.edu/postpartum
Pacific Postpartum Society
www.postpartum.org
Depression After Delivery
www.depressionafterdelivery.com
