Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder Program at Alexian Brothers Women's Services

Our Information

What You Should Know about Baby Blues 

Many new mothers feel sad, afraid, angry, or nervous after their baby is born. These feelings, called postpartum or "baby" blues, are very common. Signs and symptoms of postpartum blues usually begin with in the first week postpartum and may persist up to three weeks postpartum.

The symptoms include:

  • Mood instability
  • Weepiness
  • Sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of concentration
  • Feelings of dependence

There are several reasons for postpartum blues:

  • Rapid hormonal changes
  • Physical and emotional stress of giving birth
  • Physical discomforts
  • Emotional letdown after pregnancy and birth
  • Awareness and anxiety about increased responsibility
  • Fatigue and sleep deprivation
  • Disappointments including the birth, spousal support, nursing, and the baby

What You Should Know Postpartum Depression

If the postpartum blues do not go away in three weeks or get worse, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression usually begins gradually, but it can be rapid and begin any time in the first year after delivery of your baby.

The symptoms include:

  • Excessive worry or anxiety
  • Irritability or short temper
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Sad mood
  • Feelings of guilt, phobias, hopelessness, sleep problems (often the woman cannot sleep or sleeps too much), fatigue, physical symptoms or complaints without apparent physical cause
  • Discomfort around the baby or a lack of feeling toward the baby
  • Loss of focus and concentration
  • Loss of interest or pleasure
  • Decreased desire for sex
  • Changes in appetite; significant weight loss or gain.

There may also be repetitive and constant thoughts or mental pictures that are scary to the new mother.

When symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety cause limitations in your ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for help.

What You Should Know about Postpartum Psychosis

The most severe of the postpartum mood disorders is postpartum psychosis. This happens in one to two per thousand postpartum women. Postpartum psychosis usually begins within the first week after delivery of the baby.

The symptoms include:

  • Visual or auditory hallucinations
  • Delusional thinking (for example, about infant's death, denial of birth, or need to harm baby)
  • Thoughts of harming yourself
  • Delirium and/or mania.
This is considered a psychiatric emergency. If you experience these symptoms seek help immediately. Call 911 or (operator) or call 800-432-5005 which is our Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital.

Instructions

  • Rest is important. Don't try to do everything. Do only what is needed and let other things wait until later. Ask your partner, family, or friends for help, especially if you have other children.
  • Accept help from others. Allow friends and family to help you by caring for your other children, bringing food, cleaning the house or running errands. This helps you save your energy for caring for your baby.
  • Try to nap when the baby naps. Ask your partner to help with night feedings or other baby care if possible.
  • Seek good listeners for support. Share your feelings with your partner, a friend, or another mother. Often just talking things out with someone you trust is a big help.
  • Take good care of yourself. Shower and dress each day. Don't forget to eat a healthy diet. Try to get out of the house a little each day. Go for a walk or meet with a friend. Get a baby-sitter or take the baby with you. Be sure to spend time with your partner. And it is important to have some time by yourself each day.

Call 847-981-3594 If:

  • You feel more depressed or your depression does not go away.
  • If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else call 911 or 800-432-5005 our Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital.
  • You need to talk about your problems. You may call a caregiver, a hospital emergency department, or a behavioral health center. They can help you sort through your feelings. They also may be able to help you find a support group of other women who have felt this way. Alexian Brothers Hospital Network has a Postpartum Depression Support Group: to find out more about our Group, please call Leslie Lowell Stoutenburg RNC, MS at 847-981-3594.