Newborn Specialists Help New Moms with Postpartum Depression

By TLC Nannies & Sitters | February 20, 2013 |

Whether you’re becoming a mom for the first time or the fourth, the days and weeks immediately following your baby’s birth can be as overwhelming as they are joyful and exciting.  TLC For Kids’ Newborn Specialists can help.

Many women experience major mood shifts after childbirth, ranging from brief, mild baby blues to the longer-lasting, deeper clinical depression known as postpartum depression.

These emotional surges are believed to be a natural effect of the hormone shifts that occur with pregnancy and childbirth. Levels of estrogen and progesterone that increased during pregnancy drop suddenly after delivery, and this can affect mood. These female hormones return to their pre-pregnancy levels within a week or so. As hormone levels normalize, baby blues usually resolve on their own without medical treatment.  For some women, the feelings of sadness or exhaustion run deeper and last longer than baby blues.

If baby blues linger longer than a week or two, talk to your doctor to discuss whether postpartum depression may be the cause of your emotional lows.

Postpartum depression usually begins 2 to 3 weeks after giving birth, but can start any time during the first few days, weeks, or months post-delivery.  A woman with postpartum depression may feel sad, tearful, despairing, discouraged, hopeless, worthless, or alone.

A new mom suffering postpartum depression may also have trouble concentrating or completing routine tasks.  She may feel indifferent to her baby or not feel attached or bonded.

TLC For Kids’ Newborn Specialists help new moms adjust to life after birth.  They are trained to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and will assist mom in her recovery.

Postpartum depression can last for several months or even longer if it goes untreated. With proper treatment, a woman can feel like herself again. Treatment may include talk therapy, medication, or both. In addition, proper diet, exercise, rest, and social support can be very helpful.
Like all forms of depression, postpartum depression creates a cloud of negative feelings over a new mom.  With the right treatment and support the cloud can be lifted.
To learn more about TLC For Kids’ Newborn Programs, please visit our website at tlcforkids.com.
Thank you to Kidshealth.org for the information on postpartum depression.
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