TIP #4 WHAT CAUSES POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
While no one knows for certain all that is involved in PPD, current research indicates that postpartum disorders should more properly be called biochemical and hormonal disorders or “neurotransmitter disorders”. The brain’s neurotransmitters are directly responsible for the way one feels. These are affected by heredity, hormonal changes, and environment. Situational stressors and psychological factors also play a role.

TIP #5 WOULD YOU KNOW IF YOU WERE SUFFERING FROM PPD?
1. Are you crying throughout the day, feeling overwhelmed, anxious and unable to cope?
2. Are you unable to sleep despite extreme fatigue and/or losing weight without intentional dieting?
3. Are you experiencing confusion, memory loss, disorientation and/or difficulty concentrating on ordinary tasks?
4. Do you feel emotionally detached from your infant?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, you may be experiencing a post-partum depression.

TIP #6 HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP SOMEONE SUFFERING FROM PPD
If you know someone who is suffering from postpartum depression, here is some advice you can pass on to her husband:

1. Remind her that you love and support her, and that you’ll get through this together.
2. Do as much as you can to help alleviate her stress (household chores, nighttime feedings, etc.)
3. Seek medical help for your wife if she hasn’t already. Some doctors are not familiar with postpartum depression, so be an advocate for your partner, or find another doctor if necessary.

Click here for more information on postpartum depression (PPD). http://files.meetup.com/1165032/PPDHandout.pdf

Anna Fincher (MommieInMotion)
Luna Moms Club Organizer, Quinton/Mechanicsville