PPD

Postpartum mood disorders may occur at any time during the first year after delivery. Depression may also develop during your pregnancy, and there are safe ways of treating it while pregnant.

Here are the common types of PPD:

Baby Blues It is the least serious type of PPD. It affects about 80% of all mothers, and consists of mood swings, and a weepiness, in the first 2-3 weeks postpartum.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) It affects about 10% of new mothers(and at least twice as many new mothers of multiples). Symptoms persist beyond 3-4 weeks postpartum and may include feeling helpless, loss of hope, crying spells, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia, and disturbing thoughts (wishing the babies had never been born, not wanting to be a mother, wanting one's old life back, and even suicidal thoughts).

Postpartum Psychosis This is the most serious of these conditions, it affects about 1 in 1000 new mothers and is always a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization. Symptoms include those of PPD, plus, hallucinations and/or delusions (hearing, or seeing disturbing things that aren't real).

What should you do if you have symptoms of PPD? First, call your doctor (OB/GYN, family doctor or psychiatrist). Your symptoms will be evaluated, and treatment started. This usually includes medications (antidepressants) and psychotherapy/counseling, usually for a limited time.

Postpartum mood disorders are very treatable. You are not alone, and you do not have to suffer!

Available support on TS:

Health Issues and Special Needs forum Post any questions, or concerns, that you have about PPD and it's treatments.

Experienced Members list Several of our members have experienced PPD after birth. Send a Private Message to one of our experienced members from here.

Discussion About Finding Help If You Are Without Insurance

Personal Stories About PPD

Helpful Internet Links:

PPD Screening Tool This simple questionnaire is provided so that you may quickly and easily find out whether or not professional medical assistance or counseling would be helpful to you.

Depression During and After Pregnancy General information on causes, symptoms, and treatments for PPD.

Double the Risk - Multiples and Postpartum Depression Information about the risk of depression after multiple births.

I would like to acknowledge and thank DeLana and Cathy(4kids4cat) for their time and energy in putting together this valuable information for our Twinstuff community.

We can all get through this difficult illness together!

--Becky5 20:56, 26 July 2007 (CDT)