A: There are basically three main types of emotional reactions to childbirth:
- Baby Blues occurs between the second and eleventh day and is primarily
caused by the enormous hormonal upheaval of a new mother's body. It affects
80 percent of women, at all socio-economic levels, no matter what their birth
experience has been. The most common symptoms are tears, often for no
apparent reason, mood swings, hypersensitivity, difficulty in concentrating,
anxiety, feelings of discouragement and vulnerability, restless sleep
patterns. This condition lasts from 24 hours to seven days. Because it is
not an illness, it can be treated with rest and support - the father has an
important role to play to shelter the new mother from too much outside
interference, and to make her feel loved and appreciated.
- A number of depressive reactions often caused by exhaustion. almost all
new mothers experience tears, a sense of frustration, isolation, guilt,
irritability, forgetfulness, or various physical symptoms linked to fatigue.
These usually occur within the first four months after childbirth. The
major difference with postpartum depression described below is that they
occur intermittently and are remedied by more sleep, better nutrition or
nutritional supplements, support and assistance with household help and
recreation.
- A postnatal depression is a psychiatric illness which affects one in ten
new mothers and must be treated with medication and therapy. In 40 percent of
cases, postnatal depression starts after a new mother has been to her six
week check up. Therefore, it is often difficult to diagnose; new mothers
are supposed to be happy! There is little tolerance or understanding for
women who do not fit this image. While some of the symptoms are similar to
the depressive reactions caused by fatigue and nutritional problems, the
major difference is that in the case of postnatal depression, these feelings
are continually present. a woman may also experience panic attacks,
obsessive thoughts and fantasies and a high level of excitability. There is
a predisposition to postnatal depression in cases where a woman has had
previous psychological problems or if her mother, aunt or sister have
encountered this problem. Left untreated, postnatal depression can go on
for years. In my book, I have a chart explaining the difference between
depressive reactions and postnatal depression.
- Puerperal psychosis is an extremely serious psychiatric illness which affects about one woman in a thousand, usually surfacing about two weeks after childbirth. It causes severe emotional upheaval, hallucinations, confusion, memory loss and obsessive behavior. Immediate hospitalization is required. With the right treatment, most women recover completely.
