| Q: |
What
is postpartum depression (PPD)? |
| A: |
Postpartum
depression is a mood disorder that affects a high percentage
of women – as many as 1 in 8 – usually within the first year
after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. It is the number
one complication of childbirth. |
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| Q: |
What is the Washington
State Postpartum Depression Awareness Campaign? |
| A: |
In 2005, the state legislature
passed Senate Bill 5898 creating a PPD Public Awareness Campaign
for families in Washington. In 2007, the campaign was enhanced with additional funding to continue work on this very important health and wellness issue for women and families. |
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| Q: |
Who is leading the PPD
Awareness Campaign in Washington? |
| A: |
The Children's Trust of Washington (formerly WCPCAN) is
the legislatively designated lead. However, Children's Trust cannot do
it alone, and every interested party plays an important role
in the campaign. Partners are a necessity for this to be a successful
campaign. To see our list of campaign
partners. |
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| Q: |
What are the signs of
Postpartum Depression? |
| A: |
The warning signs of
PPD can be different for everyone but may include:
- Trouble sleeping,
or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite – eating much more
or much less
- Feeling irritable, angry, or nervous
- Feeling
exhausted
- Not enjoying life as much as in the past
- Lack of
interest in baby, friends, family
- Low or no sex drive
- Feeling
guilty, worthless or hopeless
- Crying uncontrollably
- Feelings
of being a bad mother
- Trouble concentrating
- Low energy
- Thoughts
of harming the baby or yourself
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| Q: |
Who is at risk for Postpartum
Depression? |
| A: |
PPD impacts women of
all ages, economic status and racial/ethnic backgrounds. 15 –
20% of women who give birth will experience PPD, and up to 80%
will experience more mild symptoms commonly referred to as the
“baby blues.”
No one is 100% sure why PPD happens, but risk factors
can include:
- Changes in your hormone levels
- A difficult pregnancy
- A birth that did not go as planned
- Medical problems with
you or the baby
- Not getting enough sleep
- Feeling alone
- Loss
of freedom
- Sudden changes in home or work routines
- Personal
or family history of depression
- Prior experience with PPD
- Lack of support from family and friends
- High levels of
stress
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| Q: |
What can I do to take
better care of myself if I get postpartum depression? |
| A: |
The good news is that
if you have PPD, there are things you can do to take care of
yourself:
- Get good, old-fashioned rest. Try to nap when the baby
naps.
- Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do
as much as you can and leave the rest! Ask for help with
household chores and nighttime feedings.
- Speak up when you’re
down. Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends
about how you are feeling.
- Do not spend a lot of time alone.
Get dressed and leave the house - run an errand or take a
short walk.
- Talk to your health care provider about medical treatment.
Do not be shy about telling them your concerns. Not all health
care providers know how to tell if you have PPD. Ask for
a referral to a mental health professional that specializes
in treating depression.
- Talk with other mothers, so you can
learn from their experiences.
- Join a support group for women
with PPD. Call PSI Support International of Washington at
1-888-404-7763 or look in your telephone book for information
and services.
- Spend time alone with your husband or partner.
|
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| Q: |
What can I do if I am
the husband or partner of a woman who shows symptoms of PPD? |
| A: |
Family
and friends may feel upset by these mood swings. In fact, they
may notice there is a problem before the new mom does. You
can help by being patient and supportive.
When symptoms last
longer than a few weeks, love and support may not be enough.
Loved ones should encourage a new mother to seek help right
away.
Here are some tips for husbands, partners and family
members that can help:
- Learn how to recognize the signs and
symptoms of PPD
- Help her recognize the depression
- Help her
to follow through on a treatment plan
- Create a safe and nurturing
home
Some helpful thoughts to keep in mind:
- You didn't cause
her illness and you can't take it away
- She doesn't expect
you to "fix it"
- Get the support you need
so you can be there for her
- Don't take it personally
- Just
being there with and for her is doing a great deal
- Let her
sleep at night
Resources for Partners & Family
What a Partner Can Say (pdf)
What a Partner Can Do (pdf)
How Partners Can Help Women Overcome Postpartum Depression (pdf)
How to Communicate to Kids About PPD (pdf)
What Partners Need Too (pdf)
If you would like more tips and information visit: www.postpartumdads.org. |
