Postpartum “blues” are considered normal. They affect up to 80% of new mothers. They can occur 3 to 4 days after birth and can last up to 2 weeks. With good physical care and emotional support, these symptoms will go away (e.g., crying spells, feeling sad, irritability, frustration).

 

Untreated postpartum depression impacts a child’s development, as parents may have altered ability to be attentive, attuned and able to respond appropriately to the infant or child{ren}. For more information on how red flag behaviours may be present in families experiencing postpartum depression, please see sections on: Attachment, Social/Emotional, Abuse, Behaviour, Family Environmental Stressors.

 

Postpartum Depression may start prenatally, and is part of the spectrum of postpartum mood disorders. A woman who has a personal or family history of depression/anxiety and/or history of abuse or neglect may be at increased risk of postpartum depression.

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Red Flags for Postpartum Depression: If mom is experiencing any of the following beyond 2 weeks of the birth of the child:

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► Sad and tearful

► Exhaustion

► Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

► Feeling overwhelmed with inability to concentrate

► Reduced interest or pleasure in family and/or activities

► Hopelessness and frustration

► Restlessness, irritability or anger

► Extreme highs, full of energy

► Guilt and shame, thinking she is not a good mother

► Poor attachment (e.g., unable to read baby’s cues)

► Afraid to be alone with baby

► Repeated scary thoughts about the baby

► Thoughts of harming self or baby

► Altered mood; anxiety and/or depression

► Lack of supports/partner

► Recent stressful life event

► Isolation, lack of transportation

► Financial concerns which may lead to inadequate access to food and/or housing

► Unrealistic expectations of self or child

► Substance abuse

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