At Parkview Practice the three of us working as psychologists in Johannesburg have often worked with women struggling with the transition to motherhood. These difficulties are normal as becoming a mother comes with significant psychological and biological changes. The flood of hormones during pregnancy and the rapid drop in hormones post birth contribute to significant emotional changes over this time. Many women experience what is commonly termed the ‘baby blues’ a few days following birth as a result of these fluctuating hormones. Baby Blues are characterised by tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, loneliness and sadness. These intense feelings tend to lessen and eventually dissipate completely approximately two weeks after birth. When these emotions linger for longer, they may be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD). New mothers sometimes feel PDD is a weakness. Here is some information about PPD to help dispel this myth and gain a better understanding of the symptoms, what makes one vulnerable to it and the treatment of it.
- You are not alone
A lot of women experience negative emotions or mood swings after giving birth to their newborns. Baby blues are experienced in approximately 70% to 80% of women. Recent studies indicate that 1 in 7 women experience PDD. It is further suggested that this statistic is understated and that PDD is in fact more common than what these studies reveal.
- What are the symptoms of PDD?
Feeling tired and overwhelmed is normal during the early days of caring for your newborn. PDD, however, is more serious and presents similarly to depression. Below is a list of signs to look out for:
- Excessive crying or sadness, intense anger or irritability or severe mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. These feelings may be brought about by a sense of inadequacy around the ability to care for your baby or a difficulty bonding with your newborn. It may be difficult to respond to, love and care for your baby.
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby may occur
- Withdrawal from friends and family and / or a loss of interest in activities that you previously found pleasurable
- Profound fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- What makes one vulnerable to PDD and how is it treated?
While hormones may provoke the emotional changes in PDD, they are not solely responsible. Psychological factors are most certainly present. The transition to motherhood requires one to redefine themselves and it is often necessary for women to mourn the loss of their identity before the arrival of the baby. Working through this process with a psychologist is not only beneficial, it also helps one to feel less isolated.
Studies on PDD are limited and it has been recognised that further research is required in this area. Blum (2007) suggests that three factors make one more vulnerable to PDD:
- An avoidance of dependency on others. New mothers are better able to care for their babies when they feel taken care of themselves. Some mothers are not able to depend on the support of others and this may increase the risk of PDD.
- Conflicts concerning anger. Many women have difficulty expressing and acknowledging anger or feel they have no right to feel angry. Some even feel guilty for feeling angry. This internal conflict is thought to make one more vulnerable to PDD.
- A mother’s conflictual relationship with her own mother tends to play a significant role in the development of PDD.
Therapy is highly effective in exploring these factors associated with PDD and helps to reduce the symptoms over time. In certain instances medication, in conjunction with therapy, is recommended. Your psychologist will be able to guide you with regards to this decision.
We are a team of two psychologists in Johannesburg at Parkview Practice have expertise working with mothers experiencing difficulties in the post-partum phase and recommend booking an assessment session if you are concerned about yourself or your ability to bond with your newborn. Please click on our “Meet the Team” tab to see our individual profiles and make contact with us.
References:
Blum, L.D. (2007). Psychodynamics of Postpartum Depression. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 24, 45 – 62.
