Postnatal Depression

Tips on how to deal with feeling low after the birth of your baby

It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit sad or a bit low after the birth of your baby. Remember, your body has been through a lot of changes and your hormones are all over the place. You are likely to be exhausted physically and emotionally.

A new baby is a challenge for a woman of any age, so ask for help when you need it. If the ‘feeling low’ goes on a bit long – for more than two weeks – contact your GP or the Public Health Nurse, as you may be suffering from postnatal depression and need some professional treatment.  Remember, this is a very common condition that lots of mums (and even dads) get and help is available.

There is a more extreme form of post-natal depression which is fairly rare, affecting 1 in 500 new mothers. If you feel extreme restlessness, mild confusion, inability to sleep, and generally out of it, medical intervention is vital. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Postnatal depression

PND is a type of depression some women experience after they have had a baby. It usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth, although in some cases it may not develop for several months. There is often no reason for the depression. There are many symptoms of PND, such as low mood, feeling unable to cope and difficulty sleeping, but many women are not aware that they have the condition. It is important for partners, family, friends and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs of PND as early as possible so that appropriate treatment can be given.

It is very important to understand that having PND does not mean you do not love or care for your baby.

• Talk to your family and friends and accept their offers of help – time off from the baby, help with shopping, a cup of coffee, a chat.
• Chatting to other mums who have had similar experiences sometimes helps. There may be a postnatal support group in some areas.
• You can also ring Aware, an organisation who helps those suffering with depression, on its LoCall number 1890-303 302 for support and advice about postnatal depression.

Who else can you talk to for support:

• Ask the public health nurse or visit your GP.
• Nurture are an organisation who offer professional counselling and supports surrounding pregnancy and childbirth maternal mental health illnesses to women, partners and their families. 
• Parentline provides a confidential helpline for parents and guardians. Call 1890 927277 or 01 8733500 Mon-Thurs from 10am-9.30pm.
• Contact One Family, LoCall 1890  66 22 12, who offer counselling, support, courses for parents, information and lots more to all members of one parent families.

True life:
“When my baby was born I was so proud of myself. He was perfect. My boyfriend was actually so proud, he loved his little son. I loved this. I was so thrilled it was perfect for us. In the following weeks I started getting all these bad feelings, they were so horrific I wasn’t happy. I didn’t want this. I was so young with such a beautiful son, but I just couldn’t bring myself to bond with my son. I couldn’t connect. Eventually my Mam persuaded me to go to the doctor and she was great.”