Your body goes through many hormonal changes after you give birth. Some women experience the “baby blues,” which are weepy, sad feelings that usually start on the second or third day after birth and last around 10 days. In some women, hormonal changes can lead to a more severe form of the baby blues called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression may start as early as the second or third day after birth or take several weeks to a year to develop.
Baby blues symptoms include anxiety, crying, fear of being alone, feeling overwhelmed, lack of confidence in your mothering ability, loneliness and mood swings. Postpartum depression symptoms include dislike or fear of touching the baby, extreme nervousness, feelings of hopelessness or emptiness, frightening thoughts about the baby, sleeping all day or not being able to sleep at all, irritability, loss of appetite and no energy.
Many new mothers who experience postpartum depression delay calling the doctor because they feel guilty or don’t want to be seen as “crazy.” We know it can be difficult asking for help, but reaching out for support can empower you and your family. It’s important to know that help is available, and Woman’s is here for you.
In-Person Support
Woman’s new MOM2MOM support group offers education and support for women suffering baby blues symptoms, postpartum depression and/or anxiety. It’s also a welcoming place to connect with moms who understand what you are going through. This group will help you learn new ways to balance motherhood in a safe, supportive environment.
The MOM2MOM support group meets at Woman’s on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The support group is free, and registration is not required. For more information, click here.
Online Support
It can sometimes be difficult to leave the house after you’ve had a baby. Now, support is available 24/7 from the comfort of your own home. Woman’s has partnered with Smart Patients, a free online community where patients and caregivers with common challenges and illnesses can ask questions, get advice and share their experiences in a safe, supportive environment. While there are countless online support groups, Smart Patients members can feel confident about the accuracy and safety of information they receive; all communities are managed by an experienced team. Click here to create an account. Once the account is confirmed, you will have access to information and resources, and will be able to participate in community conversations.
For more information about support groups and other resources, call Woman’s Social Services at 225-924-8456. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of postpartum depression or psychosis, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call The Phone (crisis line) at 225-924-3900 immediately.