Postpartum Depression: What is Postpartum Depression?

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Postpartum Depression: What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression: What is Postpartum Depression?

March 13, 2012 at 10:00

Postpartum Depression: What is Postpartum Depression?

This is a type of depression that can occur within the first few months of childbirth, or after a miscarriage or stillbirth. This is different than the “baby blues” which many women have in the first few weeks after childbirth. With the typical “baby blues,” some of the same symptoms may occur such as moodiness, being teary, increased sadness, or difficulty sleeping. But there are still feelings of happiness about your baby, and these symptoms go away in a few weeks. With the typical baby blues, the symptoms aren’t as severe or as long-lasting as actual postpartum depression, which can last for months.

The most severe form of this disorder is postpartum psychosis, in which a woman may feel cut off from her baby, altogether. She may hallucinate, seeing and hearing things that aren’t actually there. It is not uncommon for any woman experiencing postpartum depression to have brief thoughts of suicide (http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html or call 800-784-2433) or thoughts of harming her baby. The difference is that when a woman develops postpartum psychosis, she may feel as though she must act on these thoughts.

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Postpartum Depression and Common Symptoms:

The following symptoms may occur in the first day or two after delivery or they can follow the symptoms of the baby blues after a couple of weeks.

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness
Feelings of anxiety
Inability to bond or care for the baby
Loss of pleasure in everyday things
Weight loss and not feeling hungry (alternately, some women feel more hungry and gain weight)
Sleep difficulty
Concentration is more difficult

Do I have Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression and Brain Function:

Hormone levels in the brain are changed after pregnancy which can result in postpartum depression. In the months after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth, any woman could be at risk for this disorder. With the qEEG or Brain Map as an assessment tool, we can see the electrical activity of the brain. We can then determine where and how the dysregulation occurs, allowing us to develop treatment protocols to put the brain back into balance without medication.

There is a greater chance of getting postpartum depression if:

You have a history of depression or postpartum depression
You have a poor support system (partner, friends, or family)
Your baby is colicky or sick
You have an abundance of other stressors in your life

There is a greater chance of developing postpartum psychosis if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression).

Postpartum Depression and Treatment Options:

There are a variety of treatment options for this disorder. They include medication, nutritional, counseling, and neurofeedback interventions. At Dallas Brain Changers, we offer an integrated approach to healing without medication that involves neurofeedback and counseling. This method of treatment offers our clients a greater opportunity to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Call us today to begin the path toward increased health and healing! We are waiting for your call!