HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Have I had a hard time laughing or finding things funny?

Have I stayed away from activities I used to enjoy?

POSTPARTUM

CARE

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Postpartum depression is a serious condition. About 1 or 2 out of every 10 women who’ve had a baby suffer emotional symptoms that are much stronger than the postpartum blues. These symptoms may start as soon as a few days after giving birth or occur any time during the first year after the birth. If you feel depressed for more than 2 weeks, you may have postpartum depression. Questions to ask yourself:

Have I been anxious or worried for no good reason?

Have I blamed myself when things went wrong?

Have I been so unhappy that I’ve had trouble sleeping?

Have I felt scared for no good reason?

Have I felt sad?

Have I let things make me feel “down” or sad?

NEED TO KNOW

If you answered “yes” to some of these questions you may have postpartum depression Call your health care provider right away There are many resources out there that can help you Talking honestly to a close friend about how you feel may also be helpful

Chapter 8: Postpartum Care

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