I'm 35 weeks and reading about PPD is scaring me. How will I know if what I'm feeling after birth is normal or needs help?
Baby blues: very common (up to 80% of new mothers), starts day 2–3 after birth, peaks around day 4–5, resolves on its own by 2 weeks. Symptoms: weepiness, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, mild anxiety. Postpartum depression: affects ~15% of mothers, can start any time in the first year (not just immediately after birth), does NOT resolve on its own, requires treatment. Symptoms: persistent sadness lasting 2+ weeks, inability to bond with baby, feeling like a bad mother, not eating or sleeping even when you can, thoughts of harming yourself or baby. If anything feels persistent, intense, or includes dark thoughts — call your doctor that day. Asking for help is the strongest thing you can do for your baby.
I had PPD and didn't recognize it because I expected it to feel like 'sadness.' For me it felt like numbness, anger, and a terrifying disconnection from my baby. I thought I was a broken mother. Antidepressants (safe with breastfeeding) and therapy changed my life within 4 weeks. Please, please reach out early. You don't have to earn the right to ask for help.
Tell your partner or someone close to you what PPD looks like BEFORE delivery so they can flag it if they notice changes you might not see in yourself. Sometimes those around us see the signs before we do.
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