Just a little bit of information on PND. Please remember, this is for information purposes only and should not to be used to make a diagnosis. If you have any doubts at all on whether you or a loved one are suffering from PND, please contact your GP or any other healthcare provider. I will be posting a list of useful contacts shortly.
Clodagh
Post Natal Depression - Coping and Caring
Post-natal Depression (PND) affects around 10% of women in the weeks after giving birth. Although it is a common disorder, only half of those affected seek medical help. The disorder frequently presents a low mood, but a mixture of changing low and "high" moods or elation is also common. These intense and prolonged mood changes are not to be confused with the joyous experience of the birth, or the mild short, limited, "baby blues" . However, "baby blues" lasting longer than a few days may be an indication of a more serious health problem.
What causes Post-natal Depression?
The causes of Post-natal Depression are not very clear, but women appear to be psychologically more vulnerable to such problems in the weeks and months after the birth of a baby. Women who are in an unplanned pregnancy, those with poor social support, or from a one-parent family are more at risk. These factors alone may increase the likelihood of depression, and the pregnancy and birth may act as additional stressors. In addition, women with previous psychological health problems are more at risk.
What are the symptoms of Post-natal Depression?
The symptoms are varied, but sleeplessness, loss of appetite, anxiety, panic attacks and either marked over-activity or under-activity, are common. The mother may feel distressed or guilty, and may express unusual concerns about herself or her baby. In all, the mother can becomes so disorganised that she cannot properly care for herself or her baby.
How and where can I get help?
It is important that prolonged "baby blues" and distressing symptoms (as described above) are reported to the family GP. Women should always attend for their six week clinical check-up and report to their hospital doctor on how they are coping.
What are the treatments available for Post-natal Depression?
Mild symptoms may clear up spontaneously within days but medical treatments will be required for more severe symptoms, which may involve counselling and medication. The medication usually takes the form of non-addictive anti-depressant tablets, which are taken for a few weeks or months. A very small number of women will need a brief hospital stay for more intensive treatment.
Practical support: If you feel you cannot cope, do not feel afraid to tell family or friends, your doctor or Community Health Nurse, that you need some help. Arranging a baby sitter for a few hours, which would enable you to have a rest, may be invaluable. Try not to let housework take over your days and nights. Ask your husband/partner, family or a friend to help out. Your health and well-being is very important. You should try to eat a balanced diet, little and often, drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are breast-feeding.
If I had Post-natal Depression after my last baby could it happen again?
If you had PND after your last baby, there will be a 1:5 chance of recurrence after the birth of your next baby. Being informed and knowing what help and treatments are available, helps with early identification and speedy resolution
Material from "Post Natal Depression - Coping and Caring" published and distributed by Parentline. Tel: 01 - 873 3500
i have to say i use the clinic up on hampton street and find them very helpful regarding pnd. i have been suffering for the past nine mths and i am on meds and sleeping pills which i found a god send as i wasnt sleeping at night as i was listening out for ds2 breathing i even kicked dh out of room for breathing too loudly that i could nt hear ds2...anyway if anyone wants to chat about pnd please feel free to pm me and maybe we can meet up for a chat