Still others may not be aware of it, or may not believe it will happen to them. Mothers often contact us during the first week after birth, when they are most likely to be experiencing the blues. We can be sensitive to the possibility that mothers' feelings about breastfeeding and mothering in general may be affected by the blues. Patience, willingness to repeat information several times, and gentle supportive reinforcement of her nurturing skills are all helpful. Since the blues usually disappear on their own, nothing more than reassurance and the passage of time are needed.
Postpartum psychosis is a frightening and devastating mental illness.
Women afflicted with it are often a danger to themselves and to their families, especially their newborn infants. This situation is obviously outside of our expertise, but a Leader may find herself in contact with a mother with postpartum psychosis as the result of contact initiated during pregnancy. If a Leader suspects that a mother may be hallucinating or intends to harm her infant, it is vital that a family member be notified so that professional help can be enlisted immediately. Julie, the Leader who expressed a desire to drive away and not look back, says the single most important thing Leaders can do for a depressed woman is to believe in her perception of her feelings. Julie felt unable to express her own deep feelings of sadness to anyone in her immediate family circle.