I've personally dealt with and known many mamas that have suffered and are suffering with postpartum mood disorders.  Mood disorders range from mild postpartum depression and anxiety to extreme cases of postpartum psychosis requiring medical intervention.  Common symptoms of PPMD include:

• Depressed mood or mood swings with exaggerated highs and lows.

• Crying and irritability.

• Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities.

• Lack of interest in sex.

• Difficulty with memory, concentrating, and making decisions.

• Psychomotor agitation or retardation.

• Fatigue, sluggishness, and feeling exhausted.

• Changes in appetite or sleep. Insomnia.

• Recurrent thoughts of death/suicide.

• Intrusive &/or unwanted thoughts.

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, especially failure at motherhood.

• Lack of interest in the baby.

• Excessive anxiety over child's health

 

It's estimated that 80% of postpartum moms deal with some mood disorder in varying degrees in the days, weeks and months following the birth of their baby.  Some moms even experience symptoms prenatally with the change in hormones brought on by pregnancy. It's vitally important that moms seek support and know they are not alone when dealing with mood disorders. Any Baby Can-512-334-4444, in Austin, hosts a weekly postpartum support group for moms.  Facilitated by Dr. Kelly Boyd, licensed clinical psychologist, this is a free group and is often under utilized as an amazing support and resource in the community.  If you need it, there it is.  If you know someone else who needs the support, please pass this resource on to them.  I like to make sure mamas have the information about PPMDs and the help available BEFORE they might need it. Just in case.