"Making It Make Sense" (SM) with Dr. Pamela Brewer
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Compiled by Pamela Brewer
Are you having trouble sleeping?
Are you having a hard time concentrating?
Has your appetite changed?
Are you afraid to be alone?
Are you afraid to be alone with your baby?
Are you having difficulty making decisions?
Would your children be better off dead?
Would your children be better off if you were dead?
Do you find yourself crying very easily?
Are you worried about your anger?
Do you feel easily overwhelmed and hopeless?
Are you trying to "keep it all together" all by yourself?
Have you had these feelings for more than two weeks?
Have you ever been diagnosed with postpartum blues, depression, or psychosis?
Do you have a history of depression?
Do you have feeling of guilt?
If the answer is YES to any of these questions - immediate evaluation is important.
According to the story books, pregnancy is a time of idyllic bliss. The mother-to-be is glowing and the father is joyful. Baby books and baby clothes and baby names permeate the air. Not a person in the pregnant couple's life has a negative thing to say. The pregnant mom floats through her pregnancy with the greatest of ease.
After the baby is born, mom floats through her days happily playing with her baby, cleaning the house, balancing the checkbook, cooking the meals, being the all around perfect mother, mate and sex-goddess.
It is small wonder then, that when up to 80% of new mothers experience a syndrome called postpartum blues ? they are reluctant to tell anyone.
AFTER YOUR BABY IS BORN? DO NOT TRY TO BE SUPER MOM!
Be sure to get sufficient rest.
Ask for help with household chores - preferably create a plan for help of a daily basis before you deliver. This will greatly reduce your "coming home from the hospital" stress.
Ask for help with baby care - create a plan before you deliver.
ASK FOR HELP!
Talk about your feelings.
Plan for personal playtime.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine under your doctor's care.
Know that you will have bad days and good days - it's OK, it's expected, it's human.
If you feel the need - plan to meet with a mental health professional.