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PMD

May Declared Postpartum Awareness Month in Michigan!

On Wednesday, May 4, The Michigan Senate adopted Resolution No. 47 – “A Resolution to Declare May 2011 as Postpartum Depression Awareness Month in the State of Michigan.” Senator Rebekah Warren and MomsBloom partnered to make this a reality. Awareness is an essential prerequisite to destigmatizing postpartum mood disorders, but it doesn’t end here.

 

Baby Blues or Something More?

by Gretchen Johnson, BS, BSN, RN-BC

Posted on April 4 at the Pine Rest Blog
Many women can relate to the emotional roller coaster that dominates the first few weeks after a baby is born—and who wouldn’t be a mess? You’re sore, sleep deprived, in a totally new role (even if this is not your first child), your hormones are out of wack and you have little time to take care of yourself. The term “baby blues” is often used to refer to the mild mood swings that occur after the birth of a child. Nearly 80% of women express experiencing baby blues. Having the baby blues is NOT a disorder. It is completely normal.

Perinatal mood disorders are common (15-20% of women)…but NOT normal. So how do you know if you or a loved one is experiencing something more serious than the baby blues?

The Baby Blues usually has an onset of about one week postpartum and lasts about three weeks. Symptoms include moodiness, tearfulness, anxiety, inability to concentrate, and sadness. These feelings come and go and the predominant mood is actually happiness.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety (about 15% of women) have an onset any time until one year after the baby is born and lasts longer than three weeks. The highest time of risk for new mothers is six months after delivery. Symptoms include excessive worry, sadness, guilt, hopelessness, sleep problems, fatigue, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, change in appetite, irritability, and difficulty making decisions.

Postpartum Psychosis occurs in 1-4 per thousand women. 5% of these women commit suicide and 4% commit infanticide. Women with postpartum psychosis experience hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.

Just as you can be proactive about the physical health of the baby and mother, you can also make preparations during pregnancy to take care of the new mom’s (or your own) emotional and mental health. This is crucial and can help combat PPD. Things that can be done include:

  • Get support – bring meals, clean house, hold the baby while the new mom takes a nap, be there to talk and listen
  • Eliminate stress – let things go that are causing worry
  • Talk openly – encourage the new mom to share her needs and how she is doing
  • Follow a healthy diet

While perinatal mood disorders are not normal, they are also NOT a sign of weakness. Every mother deserves to enjoy her new baby. If you or someone you love is suffering, get help. For local resources visit www.healthykent.org and look for the PMD resource manual under “infant health”. A great place to find help nationwide is by visiting www.postpartum.net and www.postpartumprogress.com

I would love to hear feedback and other suggestions on what can be helpful to prepare for the postpartum time period. What other topics around PMD would you like to hear about? This is the 2nd post in a series on perinatal mood disorders.

Postpartum Depression – Not Just a Woman’s Illness

by Gretchen Johnson, BS, BSN, RN-BC

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Pine Rest

While most people have heard of Postpartum Depression (PPD) many do not realize the size and scope of the problem. PPD impacts 15% of new mothers, making it difficult to care for their baby and causes damage to other relationships. And it doesn’t just affect women. Men can get PPD, too. In fact, recent studies have show that 10% of new dads get Postpartum Depression.

Why are men affected? Postpartum Depression in women has been linked to traumatic birth experiences, hormonal changes, thyroid problems, Vitamin D deficiencies, previous history of mental illness, and many other factors. So how is it that men suffer from depression after the birth of a child?

While men may not experience the full spectrum of biological and hormonal changes or other factors that impact women, they are experiencing a change in their role and a major life change. The pressure to be a good dad, the desire to succeed at being a father, and the dramatic life change can bring on PPD in men. Remember, dads also experience the lack of sleep, the frustration of trying to soothe a fussy baby, and the fear of making a mistake.

Some of the symptoms of depression in men include:
• Irritability
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Anger
• Depressed mood
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Over-working
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical complaints such as stomach problems or headaches
• Difficulty concentrating

While there is much to be learned about PPD in men, one thing is sure: It is important to get help. Studies have shown that untreated PPD in men leads to marital problems, increased fighting in the home, and decreased bonding with the baby.

In general, men are less likely to get help than women. Unfortunately, it is challenging for men to seek treatment. Many healthcare providers do not realize that PPD can impact men. Further, the stigma for men is greater than for women. Yet, it is so important to get help.

If you or someone you love is struggling, there is hope; for women and men.

Here are some resources:

www.postpartummen.com
www.postpartum.net

And if you’re in Kent County, Michigan:
www.dadsgrow.com

Gretchen Johnson, BS, BSN, RN-BC, manages an inpatient unit and the Adult Partial Hospital program at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health. She is a member of the Healthy Kent 2020 Perinatal Mood Disorder Coalition, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the Psychiatric Nursing Council of Southwest Michigan.