Bringing a child into the world comes with a whole host of emotions, ranging from joy to depression and (in rare cases) even psychosis. Whether you recently gave birth or you are supporting a partner who recently had an infant, it is important to understand postpartum symptoms and know when to seek help.
Unfortunately, women’s mental health is often overlooked during this stage of life. While you may be expecting a joyful, seamless transition into parenthood, postpartum depression can throw a wrench into these plans and can contribute to marital strife as the two of you navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn.
In this article, we will provide some context about the postpartum period and discuss the degrees of severity that define postpartum illness. Additionally, we will share some suggestions on broaching conversations about postpartum depression and postpartum recovery with your partner in productive and compassionate ways.
What Is the Postpartum Period?
When you think about creating a new member of your family, it might seem like pregnancy is the “hard part,” so to speak. Your body is going through unprecedented physical and hormonal changes, and – especially if you are carrying your first – you are not used to these effects. Once you deliver an infant, however, you enter what is called the postpartum period.
The postpartum period begins upon the birth of a newborn child, but the end of that period is less clear. Many consider six to eight weeks after birth the end of the postpartum period, although some women continue to experience postpartum symptoms beyond that time frame. Postpartum symptoms are typically divided into three categories: postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. Let’s dive into the difference between these states.
#1: Postpartum Blues
During the postpartum period, about 85% of women report changes in their moods. Given how common these mood disturbances are, many mental and behavioral health specialists consider them normal experiences following childbirth. Many women experiencing postpartum blues will describe their feelings as tearfulness, anxiety, or irritability.
These symptoms typically peak four to five days after delivery and may last up to two weeks – and while they can be unpredictable and unsettling, they do not normally interfere with a woman’s ability to function. Typically, treatment is not necessary. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that in women with a history of depression, postpartum blues may herald the future development of a more significant postpartum mood disorder.
#2: Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, or PPD, normally emerges during the first two to three months after delivery. Symptoms of postpartum depression will be more severe than those of the “postpartum blues” – and although PPD is triggered by childbirth, it is clinically indistinguishable from depression at any other point in life. Here are some PPD symptoms to look out for:
Depressed or sad mood
Tearfulness
Feelings of guilt
Feelings of worthlessness or incompetence
Irritability
Loss of interest in typical activities
Appetite changes
Fatigue
Suicidal thoughts
Those who are suffering from postpartum depression also often experience significantly heightened levels of anxiety. General anxiety is common, but some women may also develop panic attacks or postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), in which intrusive thoughts of bad things happening to their baby may occur.
With milder cases of PPD, diagnosis can be difficult, because the symptoms of PPD often occur in postpartum women even without depression. For instance, fatigue and appetite changes are common for anyone who has just given birth.
#3: Postpartum Psychosis
This is the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness, and is a rare event that occurs in just 0.1% of women after childbirth in the U.S. Presentation is often dramatic and occurs around 28 to 72 hours after childbirth. Women experiencing postpartum psychosis may exhibit a rapidly shifting depressed or elated mood, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior with delusional beliefs centering around the infant. There is a significant risk for infanticide and suicide in women who are experiencing postpartum psychosis. If you suspect that you or your partner is struggling with this condition, seek help immediately.
How to Talk to Your Partner About Postpartum Depression
Now that you have more context about postpartum symptoms and their degrees of severity, let’s discuss raising these issues with your partner. Whether you are the birthing partner or the supporting partner, having open and honest conversations about postpartum symptoms is a crucial step toward recovery. Here are a few tips to effectively initiate a conversation with your partner about postpartum depression.
#1: Validate Your Partner’s Feelings
If one partner is experiencing PPD, both partners are likely feeling the effect. The birthing partner, however, needs to feel supported as they are experiencing hormonal and neurological shifts that are outside of their control. It is important to let the birthing partner know that they are seen and heard and that their feelings are valid. Let them know you understand that what they are going through is difficult.
#2: Stay Away From Placing Blame
A partner should never place blame on the birthing parent. Postpartum depression is catalyzed by a rapid shift in the body’s hormonal environment, and it is outside the control of the birthing partner. Instead of placing blame, let your partner know that you are taking their concerns seriously and that you believe in them and their ability to get better.
#3: Support Them in Getting the Help They Need
If your partner needs or asks for help, take steps to get that help for them. When someone is experiencing anxiety or depression, it can be difficult for them to be in charge. Take the burden of seeking help off their shoulders and find them options to get the care they need.
Other Tips to Support Your Partner Through PPD
In addition to communicating effectively with your partner about postpartum depression, there are other small things that you can do to ease the load of being a new parent while that person is struggling with mental health concerns. Helping your partner get enough sleep is one way to support their recovery. Especially when one person is breastfeeding, it can be hard to ask for help from the non-birthing partner. Consider having the birthing partner pump milk so that the other parent can assist with nighttime feedings.
You can also offer practical help with household chores like cleaning, cooking, and childcare. Taking the lead on coordinating these responsibilities can help communicate that you are a team and that your partner is not alone in caring for the newborn baby. This is a great place to lean on your support system as well. If you have family or friends around, don’t be afraid to ask for help – even a neighbor dropping off a casserole for dinner can help free up time for new parents to rest and recover.
Finally, encourage self-care for both partners. Try to facilitate making time for activities that make your partner feel rejuvenated and happy – whether that looks like socializing, reading, exercising, or anything else. At the very least, make time for each of you to shower daily and do a few things for yourself. This can make a huge difference in PPD recovery.
Get the Help You Need for Postpartum Depression
When you bring a child into the world, it takes a toll on your body and your mind. There is no shame in seeking help as you strive to get back to your “normal” self after childbirth.
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are a Maryland wellness center that specializes in women’s mental health care services. Our trained and certified nurse practitioner therapists can help you employ proven strategies to combat postpartum depression and get back on your feet again.
When you are going through a hard time, we are here to listen, help, and support you. No matter what obstacle you are facing, you are never alone – so don’t hesitate to reach out and talk to one of our caring and empathetic behavioral health practitioners. Postpartum depression is not easy, but you are strong enough to work through it, and professional help can provide the support you need to feel like yourself again.
Reach out to our team to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to meeting you!