Understanding Post-Partum Depression

There can be so many factors that cause post-partum depression. The parents understandably will have their lives changed quite a bit to adapt to the new life in the house. Hormones definitely come into play when it comes to changing moods of the mother. One can, of course, also not discount the stress that a baby with sleeping difficulties can put on the family. Coming to an understanding of the various ways that post-partum depression can affect the new family is essential in ultimately receiving the experience as a exciting, challenging, and satisfying stage in life. 

Birth Experience

• There is a large pressure on women to pursue a natural delivery of their baby and this may not always be safe. Perhaps the birth has gone on for a very long time or resulted in emergency interventions such as an emergency c-section or a ventouse or forceps delivery. This can sometimes give a woman a feeling of inadequacy. They may mourn over the birth experience that they did not get, especially as the 9 month build-up to having a baby often focuses on the labour, and not what happens afterwards. This can trigger depression and feelings of failure for a woman.
• The baby not being well after birth and having to spend a period of time in a neonatal unit can also be a cause of post-partum depression. It is rarely planned that a baby will need medical help after birth and it is not the introduction to parenthood that any mother wants. Having a baby in a neonatal unit is an incredibly worrying experience and it is difficult when a baby needs medical care that a new mum can't provide. 
• Finally the body will experience a big change in the hormones it is producing a few days after birth. This can cause post-partum depression often known as the 'Baby Blues'. 

Change in Lifestyle

• Bringing your baby home will be a completely new experience. Especially if this is a first child, suddenly there is a massive change in lifestyle. Your life will revolve solely around the baby at first with cycles of frequent feeding dictating your daily timetable. This enormous change can lead to post-partum depression. It is easy to sink into the feeling that you are now only mum and not the person you used to be which is not the case at all. Also, do not underestimate the effect that lack of sleep has on your emotions.
• A new baby will also give a new dynamic to your relationships both with your partner, and also with your family and friends. Sometimes a new mother may feel resentment towards her family and friends that don't face the everyday commitments and challenges that having a baby gives. It is extremely important in those early days to ask for as much help as you can and to try and get some quality time both with your partner and your friends.