Well, how do you deal with this? Postpartum depression can hit you anytime within 12 months after delivery. Throughout the nine months, the level of progesterone and estrogen shoots up in your body. However, within the first 24 hours of delivery, the level of these hormones falls drastically. This abrupt change in hormone chemistry is the culprit behind depression.

Symptoms of Depression

If you find any of these symptoms striking you for more than 15 days during or after pregnancy, you could be under depression:

• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Irritability and restlessness
• Excessive crying
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Oversleeping or loss of sleep
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Finding hard to concentrate, remember, or take decisions
• Feeling guilty and good-for-nothing
• Lack of interest in activities
• Not finding anything enjoyable
• Remaining aloof from friends and family
• Headaches, heart palpitations, and chest pains

Besides this, you may lose interest in your baby and feel fearful of harming your baby or yourself. I would suggest visiting your doctor, if you experience any of the above symptoms. If not treated, postpartum depression can have a profound effect on your well-being and keep you from leading a normal and happy life.

Factors responsible for postpartum depression are:

• Fatigue. It results because of disrupted sleep patterns.
• Feeling devastated. This happens because of the new arrival in your family, and maybe other kids, your partner, and household responsibilities.
• Change in home and work life. You may feel isolated staying at home with your baby while returning to work may make you feel guilty of leaving your baby alone. So, it's a kind of catch 22 situation.
• Loss of identity. You may yearn for the life you had before your baby was born.

Managing Postpartum Depression

I have seen a large number of new mothers feeling guilty or embarrassed to talk about being depressed at the time when it is supposed to be one of their happiest moments of their life. However, you should realize that depression is a medical condition and calls for a doctor's attention. The mild cases can be treated by your own doctor while severe depression requires the help of a psychiatrist.

In addition to getting medical help, here are certain tips to deal with depression on your own:

• Take rest as much as possible.
• Ask your hubby, family members, or friends to help you with the chores.
• Share your feelings with a close friend or your partner.
• Spend some time alone with your hubby.
• Become a member of a support group meant for depressed women or new moms.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare case. It generally starts showing within six weeks after giving birth. It includes hallucinations, delusions, and obsessive thoughts regarding your baby. This condition calls for quick medical help. Treat is as a medical emergency.

You have started a new life and are still in the stage of accepting your new role; that of a mother. Don't let depression ruin your precious moments.

Welcome to motherhood with a big smile!