Post Natal Depression  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no universally agreed definition of postnatal depression, except that it is a depressive condition which can affect between 10 and 15 per cent of all new mothers in the weeks and months after childbirth. The 'blues' (sometimes called the 'three-day blue' or 'baby blues') may affect half of all new mothers at some point in the first week after the birth. The main sign is tearfulness and a feeling of coming down to earth with a bump. Postnatal blues doesn't need any treatment other than a supportive and sympathetic approach from the people caring for the mother.

Clinicians diagnose postnatal depression if it appears in the weeks or months after childbirth, but usually the symptoms originated months earlier. All new mothers will to some degree feel tired, lacking in confidence and energy and experience anxiety and guilt however a mother with postnatal depression may experience any of the following symptoms

  • fear of judgement
  • helplessness
  • confusion
  • disturbed sleep
  • exhaustion
  • difficulties making decisions
  • loss of self-esteem
  • fear of harming herself or the baby
  • loss of libido
  • loss of appetite
  • hostility or indifference to people she normally loves
  • difficulty in concentrating
  • shame at being unable to be happy
  • lethargy
  • tearfulness
  • anxiety
  • guilt
  • irritability
  • lack of confidence in her ability as a mother
  • no enjoyment of motherhood

Puerperal psychosis
This psychosis affects between 0.1-0.2% of new mothers in the weeks after childbirth. Unlike postnatal depression, the disturbance is clear to those she comes into contact with and she usually experiences delusions and distortions of reality.

Sources of support

The following organisations can offer support to those experiencing postnatal depression. Your health visitor or midwife will also have details of local initiatives, which may be a useful resource.

Association for Postnatal Illness
25 Jerdan Place, Fulham, London SW6 1BE
Tel: 020 7386 0868
Information and telephone support for women with all forms of postnatal depression, from women who have recovered.

Homestart UK
2 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE17QR
Tel: 0116 233 9955
A voluntary home-visiting scheme offering support, friendship and a practical approach to families with under-fives.

MAMA (Meet-a-Mum Association)
77 Westbury View, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8TZ
Tel: 01761 433 598
Counselling, practical support and friendship to mothers experiencing postnatal depression, plus practical mother-to-mother support. Many groups, in all parts of the UK.

MIND (National Association for Mental Health)
Granta House, 15-19 Broadway, London E15 4BQ
Tel: 08457 660163 (information line)
Support and information for people in all forms of mental distress, and their families.

SANELINE
Telephone 08457 678 000
Helpline for information about serious mental illness, offering support to women with postnatal depression and their families.

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH
Tel: 08704 448 707
Branches and members almost everywhere. Antenatal classes, breastfeeding counselling, postnatal support. Some specialist groups, including groups for the support of mothers with postnatal depression.