Battling the Baby Blues

In early 2005, Brooke Shields, the actress that seemingly had it all, shocked moms all over the world by talking about her battle with postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Rowan. Her experience brought the subject of postpartum depression out of the shadows and into the national spotlight.

Sixty to seventy percent of new mothers experience the "baby blues" - a short-lived mild to moderate depression in the first two weeks after their child's birth. Symptoms of the baby blues may include unexplained crying, mood swings and extreme irritability. Women experiencing the baby blues can be exhausted but feel unable to sleep. They may feel trapped or helpless. They may feel anxious, worry that they've made a mistake, or worry that they won't be a good mother. It's important to realize that all of these feelings are normal. The baby blues are not an illness and they do go away.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in ten new moms experience a persistent, intense crippling depression, known as postpartum depression within the first six months of her baby's life. The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to the baby blues, but what is different is their intensity, frequency and duration. Moms experiencing postpartum depression may cry all day, may feel helpless to care for themselves or their baby, experience panic attacks or have excessive feelings of guilt.

Through social support networks like Moms Supporting Moms, a support group at Rex for women experiencing anxiety or depression related to childbirth and motherhood, women across Wake County are finding encouragement and support. "We have been blessed by the coming together of individuals with great commitment to helping moms," shared Myra Teasley, MD, of Mid-Carolina OBGYN in Raleigh. "Two peer leaders, whom themselves experienced postpartum depression, and a physician, who is board-certified and has practiced both in obstetrics and psychiatry, are intimately involved in Moms Supporting Moms. Having all these perspectives in one place makes this forum open, nurturing and not intimidating," says Teasley.

Postpartum depression is an illness and should be treated by your doctor. Make sure to tell your doctor if you're feeling helpless or overwhelmed, even if you just think you have the baby blues. One in one thousand women can even experience psychosis, even hearing voices, as part of postpartum depression. Your care provider is the best source to help guide you through this difficult time.

"It is so important for women to realize what they are experiencing and to know that this type of 'therapy' Moms Supporting Moms is available at no cost and with no repercussions. All mothers are welcome," adds Teasley.

For more information about Moms Supporting Moms, meeting twice a month at Rex Family Birth Center, visit rexhealth.com.