The majority of women will experience temporary emotional changes in the adjustment to motherhood. ‘Baby blues’ is a term commonly used to describe feelings of low mood and tearfulness that usually occurs when your baby is 3-4 years old. This can be normal and resolve in a short time. However, for some women these feelings persist and can have a huge impact on their experience of early parenthood, and their relationships with their partner and baby. Postnatal depression affects many women with symptoms including:
- A persistent feeling of sadness and low mood and/or feeling agitated, irritable , or very apathetic.
- Trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day.
- Feeling that you ‘re unable to look after your baby or difficulty bonding with your baby.
- Problems concentrating and making decisions
- Feelings of guild, hopelessness and self-blame or frightening thoughts- for example, about hurting your baby-these can be scary, but they are very rarely acted upon.
- Thinking about suicide and self-harm.
It is not uncommon for women to experience other forms of mental health difficulties during this period. These can include overwhelming feelings or anxiety, obsessive compulsive tendencies and problems with eating.
Postpartum psychosis is a severe but rare form of mental illness affecting 1-2 in 1000 mothers. Symptoms normally occur within the first week after birth and involve extreme or bizarre behavior. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate psychiatric support via the health professionals. If you are worried about your mental health, then please don’t struggle alone.
Dr Efterpi Tingi
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
