So Blue After the First Baby

A happily married couple in Florida awaits the birth of their first child after 9 months of pregnancy. The attending surgeon and the Tampa Bay Midwife do an excellent job. All goes well and the child is born without complications. All accept the behavior of the "new mommy" to her husband and to her child. Symptoms of depression masked with irritability set in. Misunderstandings occur and harsh arguments follow in the ensuing weeks. What has happened to the sweet woman in a seemingly normal event such as childbirth to make her husband misunderstand? The woman has developed postpartum depression, a psychological condition that has become the subject of medical gatherings throughout the U.S. like the one in Florida called "Maternity Care Tampa Bay".

Postpartum depression needs to be understood before it can be prevented. So what is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is essentially clinical depression that accompanies childbirth. Clinical depression or Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities that is coincident with low mood and low self-esteem. This loss is known as anhedonia. The disorder frequently affects women but could also affect men especially those who become new fathers. The incidence is lower in men however between 1.2% and 25.5%. After carrying their first child, women are most susceptible in the first few months following delivery. Studies reveal a female prevalence ranging between 5%-25%.

While the symptoms of postpartum depression usually occur in the first few months, they can manifest anytime in the first year following delivery. Women complain of intense sadness and fatigue in performance of daily activities. There is hopelessness, low self-esteem, guilt and even a sensation of being overwhelmed by circumstances. Disturbances have been noted in both appetite and sleep cycles. Some cases are even resistant to counseling. Mental functions like speech and writing are impaired and spells of intense anger, frustration, panic attacks and anxiety occur. The sex drive is seriously reduced.

While all the causes of postpartum depression remain elusive, a number of elements have been determined as predictors of the illness. A history of depression seriously predisposes to this illness. This also includes any depressive episode during pregnancy. General stress in life especially, when the mother is single or, if married, unsupported by her spouse is a contributory factor.

Recognizing postpartum depression as a disease entity will lead to better understanding and much needed comfort from spouses and prevent unnecessary conflict borne of misunderstanding. Smoking should be discouraged. Screening for postpartum depression, which is regular in Canada, could be carried out worldwide. This way, risk factors can be quickly identified and corrective measures can be taken. Appropriate exercise and a balanced nutrition seem to play vital roles in preventing postpartum depression in particular, and depression in general. Experts suggest the inclusion of the following in a woman's diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, Vitamins especially of the B class and proper hydration. With recognition, proper dietary measures and moral support we can prevent the occurrence of postpartum depression.