Postpartum Depression, An Unwanted Visitor

Postpartum depression always hits me around four or five months after a baby's birth. Immediately after the births I am blessed with euphoria like I have never experienced at any other time in my life. We have a baby! A whole new person! He/she is amazing! I'm no longer pregnant! Life cannot get any better than this!

And truthfully for me, it always gets a bit worse. A few months later, the gloom descends. The despondency is tough to explain, I just know I am not myself. I am fatigued, less likely to laugh, more irritable and prone to anxiety. Thankfully I do not experience any of the more intense postpartum depression symptoms.

Although many women's difficult labors and traumatic births can indeed trigger postpartum depression, I thankfully had easy, non-complicated births and very healthy babies. My husband was supportive and hands-on. My health was good. Breastfeeding was a breeze. I was so blessed and lucky to have my much prayed-for children. What the heck was wrong with me?

There are several explanations. Decreased breastfeeding (due to baby starting solids or sleeping for longer stretches) and lowering of maternal hormones are likely culprits. Situational blames such as cumulative sleep deprivation and less assistance from family members are other factors. I personally had newborns who slept a great deal, and required seemingly less care than lively older babies who sought entertainment, not just milk, from Mom.

Thankfully, I have a great doctor who helped me identify and treat my postpartum depression. A low dose of an SSRI until my hormones stabilize, continued breastfeeding for the endorphins and mama/baby bonding, and daily outdoor exercise do wonders. They help my intangible well-being match my rational, true feelings of fierce love and disgustingly gushing happiness at being Charlie, Eve and Alice's mom.

If you have any prolonged, negative change in your mood in the year or so after the birth of your child, you could have postpartum depression. Call your doctor to discuss your treatment options, no matter how much time has passed.

Jessica McFadden is the author of A Parent in Silver Spring, a resource blog for local parents and residents.