It's a serious condition which can threaten the lives of both mom and baby. Recognizing the first signs of this depression can hasten recovery time and allow for more bonding time with your new baby. What differentiates postpartum depression from the baby blues is usually the time frame in which it occurs and the severity of the symptoms. Baby blues often last one week or less and occur shortly after childbirth. Symptoms are typically mild and include mood swing, crying and fatigue.
Postpartum depression tends to set in later after birth, and past six weeks.
Postpartum depression is related to the hormonal fluctuations following childbirth. Nothing can be done to prevent it though there are some coping strategies that can help alleviate it. First of all, having sufficient help around the house after your baby is born will go a long way to relieving some of your stress, which will in turn help with depression. Either a family member or someone from your church might make ideal individuals to chip in with housework and rocking your baby while you nap. If your symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of motivation and severe mood swings is hampering your life and how you function, an antidepressant can be prescribed by your health care provider.