Moods as a New Mother

Image Credit: MGH Center for Women's Mental Health - Reproductive Psychiatry Resource and Information Center

Marian Parayil

Consultant Psychologist

“I feel like something bad is going to happen to my baby all the time, which leaves me tensed and worried about her. I feel like I may infect her if I get too close to her”.

These were the words of a new mother, Tanvi (name changed), whose daughter was born two months ago.

She had started to feel stressed, irritable and restless as she worried about her baby. Moreover, she felt depressed and low everyday. Her mother and husband also mentioned that she had stopped breastfeeding her baby since the last few days and would take utmost care to make sure that she was germ-free and properly sterilised before going near the baby. Moreover, the responsibilities of changing the baby’s diaper, giving her a bath and feeding were all handed over to her husband for the fear that she may make mistakes and not do it properly and infect her baby in the process.

Depression can be observed in to-be-mothers and new mothers both, and can be understood depending on its onset. There is a stark difference between ‘Baby Blues’ and ‘Postpartum depression’. Let’s take a few minutes to understand that:

Baby Blues:

Characterized by - fluctuating mood, feelings of sadness, confusion and tearfulness.

3-5 days after child-birth

Persists for days to weeks

Post-Partum Depression

Characterized by - depressed mood, excessive anxiety, insomnia and weight changes.

Subtype of Major Depressive Disorder, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5).

Within 3-6 months after delivery

Onset is within 12 weeks post-partum.

(Note: If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks, professional evaluation is important for mother and child’s health.)

Extreme types of postpartum distresses or depression may include:

• Postpartum anxiety

• Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Postpartum panic disorder

• Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Postpartum psychosis

Certain risk factors for Post-Partum Depression include:

• Lack of social support

• Dissatisfaction in marriage

• Miscarriages in the past

• Prenatal depression

• Physical problems with the baby

• Traumatic birth experience

• History of sexual abuse

• Unrealistic expectations of birth or parenting

Here are some recommended treatments for managing postpartum depression:

• Rest

• Nutritious meals and snacks

• Family members and friends can help with household chores

• Exercise

• Joining a support group for new mothers

• Individual counselling/ psychotherapy - It can help in management of symptoms.

• Medication - If symptoms stay for months on end, it is important to have a psychiatrist evaluate you. Pharmacological treatment becomes essential in such cases for the recovery of the mother.

Although post-partum depression can be commonly experienced by new mothers, it is important to understand that it is treatable. Not to be biased, postpartum depression can be experienced by fathers as well. Lastly, it is very important to remember that postpartum depression is not a reflection of you as a mother or a woman.

Do not hesitate in seeking help. Help is available!