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POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

What We Know

Postpartum is a treatable medical illness that has shown to affect 1 in every 8 women after childbirth. The risk is 1.6 times higher for women of color. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but they may begin earlier – during pregnancy – or later – up to a year after childbirth.

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum

Baby blues:

50-75% of new mothers experience: Mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, feeling, overwhelmed, crying, reduced concentration, appetite problems, trouble sleeping.

Postpartum:

15-20% of new mothers experience: Severe mood swings, crying excessively, difficulty bonding with your baby, withdrawing from family, and friends, insomnia, excessive sleeping, overwhelming tiredness/loss of energy, less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, intense irritability and anger, hopelessness, feeling of worthlessness, shame, guilt, inadequacy, reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions, severe anxiety/panic attacks, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

What We Want YOU to Know

Whether it be Baby Blues or PPD, we are HERE FOR YOU and your family! It’s completely NORMAL to experience a range of emotions after giving birth! HELLO, you just brought life into the world which is no easy feat. You ARE NOT alone and we would love to support you by making this transition as comfortable as possible by listening and providing you with as many resources as possible!

**The exact cause of PPD is complex and likely involves a combination of hormonal, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. PPD requires professional intervention and treatment, which may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy), support groups, and in some cases, medication prescribed by a healthcare provider**

**While the risk may be higher for women of color, they are less likely to receive help due to factors such as financial struggles, structural racism, and a historical mistrust of the healthcare system. Maternal mental health symptoms and issues among marginalized communities are often overlooked & under addressed.”**

“Honestly, sometimes I still think I have to deal with [postpartum depression]. I think people need to talk about it more because it’s almost like the fourth trimester, it’s part of the pregnancy. I remember one day, I couldn’t find Olympia’s bottle and I got so upset I started crying... because I wanted to be perfect for her.”