Having a baby is one of the most wonderful experiences of life. But sometimes, the joys are temporarily overshadowed by sadness and feeling low.

Many women experience what’s called ‘the baby blues’.

These often kick in during the first week after a baby is born, and are at their worst when a newborn is about three to five days old. Mums feel anxious and irritable, and their moods swing from feelings of elation through to feeling tearful, often from hour to hour.

Fortunately, for many, the ‘baby blues’ are over by the time the baby is ten days old and there is no call for treatment, just lots of support and reassurance from loved ones and partners. In fact the’ baby blues’ is so common that it could be said that it’s a normal part of childbirth. Postnatal depression, however, is much more than just feeling ‘a little bit blue’.

Unlike the baby blues the symptoms of postnatal depression usually start about four to six weeks after a baby is born, although they can start months later.
The symptoms last much longer and are much more serious.

Partners may initially not realise that anything’s up, after all, it’s hardly surprising that a mum with a new baby should tired, having trouble sleeping and isn’t interested in romantic advances of any kind. But it’s important to be on the look out for these symptoms because it may indicate postnatal depression.

Treatment is usually needed for postnatal depressionbecause it’s believed that when postnatal depression is treated it gets better much quicker.

Symptoms to look for

Low Mood

Difficulty coping with self-care and caring for baby

Crying

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability

Sleep and appetite difficulties

Anxiety and panic attacks

Despondency

Feelings of guilt and inadequacy

No one knows for sure why postnatal depression occurs, but it’s estimated that as many as one in six women are affected.

Although female hormone changes explain the ‘baby blues’, whether they play a role in postnatal depression is still wildly debated.

Stress and tiredness may contribute to postnatal depression but are not thought to be the whole reason behind it.

There are however, factors that make postnatal depression more likely such as having suffered depression in the past, a recent unpleasant life experience such as a bereavement or a bad experience during birth.
Another factor that can trigger postnatal depression is a lack of support from family and friends, which is why it’s important for other family members to get stuck in and help with all aspects of babycare and not just the fun bits that don’t involve nappy changing, middle of the night bottles etc.

Something that has emerged over recent years is that it’s not only women who suffer postnatal depression.

Men can too – possibly one in ten of them in fact. It’s more than just the knowledge that your life will never be the same again.

Men suffer similar symptoms to those experienced by women, including tiredness, irritability, mood swings, and sometimes feeling that everything is falling apart.

The most important step to take in overcoming postnatal depression is to recognise that it may be affecting you or your partner, and to seek advice as soon as possible. There is no shame in doing this and it is more a sign of courage and commitment to the family since its clear that if untreated, postnatal depression will interfere with the bond between a parent and their baby, and can affect a baby’s emotional development.

It’s vital that the person suffering postnatal depression is supported and not made to feel guilty. It’s not their fault.
There’s no point telling your partner, or yourself, that you just have to pull yourself together. This approach doesn’t work, and more often than not will simply make matters worse in the long term.

Many women find that they simply need a break or some help for a while and that is all that’s needed for their symptoms to disappear and their spirits to lift.
Getting as much rest and support as possible after your baby is born may help to prevent the onset of postnatal depression. So when grandparents offer to babysit, say yes!

Simple steps such as spending time outdoors every day will help. With a newborn baby it’s easy for mums and dads to find themselves cooped up indoors all the time. Even simple activities such as going to the toilet needs timing with almost military precision. Doing some light exercise can lift the spirits too. A partner or friend taking baby for a walk will also give mum the chance to have a relaxing bath or shower.

Being aware of the symptoms and seeking help earlier rather than later helps to prevent more severe postnatal depression developing. When treatment is needed the sooner it starts the better. It may involve counselling, antidepressant medication, or a combination of both.

Tips to help with postnatal depression

Share babycare responsibilities so you both get a chance to have a break and a rest.

Have at least five minutes outdoors each day.

Do a little gentle exercise each day, even five minutes will give your spirits a lift.

When friends and family offer to babysit – say yes!

Watch out for symptoms of postnatal depression.

Never be frightened to seek help and advice.