Just as your body is returning to its pre-baby size and shape, your hormone levels are also finding their way back to normal.
Along the way, your emotions may swing from elation to depression. You may feel overwhelmed, especially if your baby is having separation issues of his own and wants to be held around the clock.
Your roller coaster emotions should diminish over time.
But if you feel utterly sad and hopeless, or so overcome with worry that you can’t get any rest, let us know. These are signs of postpartum depression. If you feel angry or violent, call us immediately. Clinical psychologists are part of your team and can help you through this difficult time.
Changing hormone levels make mood fluctuations common during and after pregnancy. But if any of these symptoms last for more than a week or two, you may be developing postpartum depression.
- Significant hopelessness
- Excessive feeling of guilt or worthlessness
- Significant appetite changes (loss or increase)
- Excessive sadness and crying
- Suicidal thoughts
- Excessive irritability and anger/aggression
- Agitation or inability to relax
- Lack of motivation or pleasure
- Lack of concentration or focus
- Change in sleep patterns (sleeping much more or much less)
- Excessive fatigue
- Excessive anxiety or worry, especially about the baby
You are not alone. One in five women suffers from some form of postpartum depression. More serious symptoms of postpartum depression include thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, fear of being left alone with the baby, or not wanting to care for the baby. If you experience any of these, call us right away at 804.288.4084.
