💖🤱 New moms, your feelings matter! Are you experiencing the baby blues or battling postpartum depression? Check out this latest post to learn the signs and find support. Remember, reaching out is the first step to healing! 🌈✨ #PostpartumSupport #MentalHealth #MomCommunity

Postpartum Blues

Postpartum blues, often referred to as the “baby blues,” typically arise within 2 or 3 days after giving birth with these symptoms:

• Be moody, irritable, or anxious
• Have trouble concentrating or sleeping
• Have crying spells

With postpartum blues, these symptoms are not severe and usually go away within 2 weeks. But in people with postpartum depression, the symptoms are more severe. They last at least 2 weeks, and often longer.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a more severe condition that can last for months if left untreated.

Symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

Screening For Postpartum Depression

The most widely used instrument to screen postpartum women for major depression is the self-report, 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which can be completed in less than five minutes. A score of 10 or more is counted as a positive screen.

An alternative to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is the self-report, nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire.

Where To Seek Help

• Consult your or family doctor obstetrician if you are worried you or your partner have post partum depression
• If you are in a crisis, contact Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) via:
  • 24-hour Hotline: 1767
  • 24-hour CareText: 9151 1767 (via WhatsApp)
• Go to any A&E department if you ever feel like you might hurt yourself or your baby

Conclusion

Both postpartum blues and postpartum depression are important aspects of maternal health that deserve attention and understanding. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Let’s support one another through this beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood!

Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/postpartum-unipolar-major-depression-epidemiology-clinical-features-assessment-and-diagnosis?search=postpartum%20depression&sectionRank=3&usage_type=default&anchor=H26&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=1%7E98&display_rank=1#H3686453643

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