BabyFit Sponsors help keep the site free!

 

Featured Article
Is Your Child Being Bullied?
Is Your Child Being Bullied?
One-third of all American students between the ages 12 and 18 have reported being bullied at school, and bullying starts earlier than you realize. Is your child being bullied? Are you sure? 

MessageBoard Hot Topics
Top Searches
Featured Recipe

Mini Cheesecakes

Who can resist thick, creamy decadent cheesecake? Try this low-fat version in the single serving size.

 

Coping With the Baby Blues

Postpartum Depression or Baby Blues?
-- By BabyFit



Nearly 80% of women experience a letdown after delivery. But how do you know whether your feelings are typical "baby blues" or a full-blown case of Postpartum Depression (PPD)? Here's a list that explains the main differences between the two. This is great information to share with your partner, family, and friends who might see these signs before you identify them yourself.




  • Sadness
  • "Let down" feeling
  • Teary, crying easily
  • Moodiness
  • Tiredness
  • Signs last up to 2 weeks
  • Usually goes away after time and rest


  • Sunshine
  • Friends
  • Light activity or exercise
    (*after your doctor clears you for exercise postpartum)
  • Balanced diet
  • Rest (as much as possible)
  • Talking to your partner about your fears and concerns
  • Support group of other mothers
  • Taking time to get dressed and fix your hair

  • Constantly feeling restless
  • Irritability that doesn't fade day-after-day
  • Feelings of sadness that last more than a few hours or more than one day
  • Frequent and inexplicable crying
  • Persistent lack of energy
  • Inability to sleep, despite fatigue
  • Weight loss or weight gain that is extreme
  • Feelings or fears that you will harm the baby
  • Guilt
  • Feelings of inadequacy
  • Excessive anger
  • Lack of interest in your newborn
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Inability to make decisions
  • Symptoms last longer than two weeks


According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, women with low iron levels were twice as likely to show signs of Postpartum Depression. Beef, pork, potatoes, fortified cereals, spinach, and beans are all great sources of iron.



This article has been reviewed by Jen Mueller, a certified prenatal and postpartum finess specialist.

Page 1 of 1
Click here to redeem BabyPoints    You will earn 3 BabyPoints!

Member Comments About this Article
"Just a quick note about these symptoms for PPD listed-alot of these symptoms can be thyroid related also. So make sure you let your doctor know that you also want your thyroid checked before they put you on meds to treat PPD." -- MISSDIANAR
"Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. People who suffer from depression should seek medical treatment, although many avoid it for various reasons. Without treatment, depression can last for weeks, months or even years. There are different types and different treatments that can help turn things around. Here is an article that might help with ideas for next steps: Types of Depression & Available Treat..." -- TANYA_BABYFIT
"does anyone know how long baby blues/ppd is supposed to last because i've been feeling depressed for 2 years now since my son was born, i've been muddling through, i don't want to go to the doctors because i don't want the health visitor coming over, she might think i'm not fit to look after my son although my son is very happy and healthy. He gets fed, cuddled and bathed but i don't look after myself, i don't have time to wash my hair and don't eat properly, i'm tired all the time, any advice ..." -- MOOMINJEWELL
Report Inappropriate Comment





 


Sponsors help keep BabyFit free!
SparkPeople
Visit SparkPeople for Free Online Diet Plan
Tell your company about SparkPeople Corporate Wellness

BabyFit, BabyPoints, BabyPages and other marks are trademarks of SparkPeople, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
BABYFIT is a registered trademark of SparkPeople, Inc. in the United States, European Union, Canada, and Australia. All rights reserved.

The Everyday Health Pregnancy and Parenting Network