Baby blues often occur the first week after having a baby. Mum can feel emotional, tearful, touchy, depressed or anxious. These feelings are all normal and usually only last for a few days. It's thought that the hormonal changes within the body following childbirth are responsible for these feelings.
Q. If that's the blues, then what is postnatal depression?
A. Postnatal depression usually starts two to eight weeks post delivery and 1 in 10 women are thought to be affected. It can occur six months to a year after the babies birth. In some cases the baby blues don't go away or become worse. For other women the symptoms include, tiredness, irritability, poor appetite, lack of concentration or disinterest, anxiety, panic attacks, crying and feeling hopeless.
Q. Am I a bad mother if I feel like this?
A. No. It is an illness like any other and there are a lot of things that can help you and support you during this time.
Q. What should I do if I feel like this?
A. Talk to us. The health visitors offer a listening service and we can help support and advise you during this time. It's often easier to talk to an outsider than a family member. Remember anything you say to us is confidential.
See your GP and tell them how you feel. They work closely with us and it may be that medication can do a lot to help you on the road to recovery.
Q. I'm worried about taking medication?
A. Modern medicines for post-natal depression are not habit-forming. Your GP will prescribe the one thats right for you and we can offer support.
Q. What about specialist counselling?
A. Again, talk to us or your GP and we can refer you to a specialist service if you feel that is something that would help you.
Q. Is there anything else that might help me?
A. We know it can be difficult but meeting other Mum's really does help. Why not come to our Babyclub? Or use the Meet a mum service (see sidebar).
Try to get out and about as much as you can. Fresh air can help you and your baby.
Try baby massage or sing and play if you are worried about bonding with your baby. Ask Ruth for details.
Don't be scared to ask others for help. Ask your partner or a friend if they can help you with the baby or take time out just for you to relax or follow a hobby eg going to the gym or cross stitch, whatever would make you feel better.
Avoid alcohol, it is a depressant and may make you feel much worse.
If you ever feel that you might harm yourself or your baby seek medical advice or tell someone immediately.
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