Understanding Postpartum Depression (PPD)

What is Postpartum Depression?  How is it Different from "Postpartum (baby) Blues?"

• Many women feel sad soon after the birth of their babies – it’s quite normal.
• These "baby blues" are a mild form of depression and usually begin soon after the baby comes and last less than a week (often 3-7 days).
• These feelings usually go away without needing any kind of special help.

So What Can You Do?

• Talk with family and friends and your doctor about how you are feeling.
• Try to get plenty of rest and help with the new changes in your life.

What are the Signs of Postpartum Depression?

• Postpartum Depression (PPD) can begin a few days to a few weeks after having a baby and lasts longer than two weeks.
• You may feel:
  • Very tired
  • Cry (even for no reason)
  • Forget things
  • Have a hard time sleeping
  • Very sad or down
  • Nervous
  • Angry
  • Guilty
  • Worthless
  • Mixed up
  • Moody 
  • Not want to play or take care of your new baby 
  • Think about dying or hurting yourself or your baby - THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!   THERE IS HELP!

Your doctor can help or if you want to talk to a counselor please call Beacon Health Strategies at 1-800-215-0058.