Postpartum Depression | Episode 204

Lunchtime In Rome Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 204 entitled “Postpartum Depression”Tonight we welcome Emily Tappe to The Table.  She will be helping us understand how to recognize and survive postpartum depression through her very own experience.  We are very blessed by her courage and willingness to share.  Pull up a seat at the table and join us!What is postpartum depression?* Postpartum depression is feeling so sad and hopeless that you can't do your normal activities. It starts during the weeks and months after having a baby.* It’s common to feel sad or miserable in the first few days after giving birth—these feelings are normal and usually go away within 2 weeks* Postpartum depression is a more serious mood change that lasts for weeks or months* You have trouble doing daily activities and may lose interest in your baby* About 1 in 10 women gets postpartum depression* It can happen even if you never had depression before* If untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or years* Doctors treat postpartum depression with antidepressants and therapy* Go to the hospital right away if you're thinking of suicide or having violent thoughts, such as hurting your baby.What causes postpartum depression?* Many women have no risk factors. But you’re more likely to get postpartum depression if you:* Have depression before or during pregnancy—tell your doctor if you had depression before you got pregnant* Had postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy* Have sadness or depression during your period or while taking birth control* Have family members who have depression* Are stressed by things like money or marriage problems* Lack support from a partner or family members* Had problems related to your pregnancy, such as an early delivery or a baby with birth defects* Weren't sure you wanted a baby (for example, the pregnancy was unplanned)What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?* Common symptoms:* Extreme sadness* Crying* Mood swings* Getting irritated easily* Not being interested in your babyYou may also have:* Extreme tiredness* Changes in sleep, such as sleeping too much or too little* Anxiety or panic attacks* Difficulty doing daily activities, such as showering* Worrying too much about your baby without good reason* Feeling hopeless or not good enough* Feeling guilty about any of these feelingsWhen should I go to the doctor for postpartum depression?* You should see your doctor if:* You feel sad and have trouble doing your usual activities for more than 2 weeks after your baby is born* You have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby* Friends and family have noticed you seem to be depressed or having a hard time coping with things Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe