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Feelings after the Birth of Your Baby
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PostpartumBaby Blues
- After the birth of a baby, many emotions are possible, from
overwhelming joy and great relief to irritability and sadness
- Up to 80% of new mothers may feel tearful, tired, helpless and
overwhelmed for the first few days after giving birth. These
symptoms are brief and will disappear on their own
- At least 10 - 28% of women who have a new baby (by birth or
adoption) experience postpartum depression
- Symptoms can start three to four days after birth, can last up to two
weeks.
- Symptoms: crying spells, feeling sad, irritability, frustration.
- With good physical care and emotional support, these symptoms will
go away. No treatment is required.
Postpartum Depression
- Affects up to 20% of women at any time in the first year.
- Usually occurs in the first two to four months.
- More intense and longer lasting symptoms than the Postpartum Blues.
- If untreated can worsen and last well into the second year.
Symptoms that a mother can have are wide ranging and may include (Ref:
Best Start - PPD)
- Continual sadness
- Anger
- Hopelessness
- Aggression
- Difficulty coping
- Fear of harming her infant or herself
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
If you are having some of these feelings contact your health
care professional, call to see what resources are available in your area
at Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit 1-800-669-5853.
For more information
... Pacific Post
Partum Support Society
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Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
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