Defining Postpartum
Postpartum depression, also known as PPD, is defined as depression that occurs after childbirth. “PPD symptoms range from relatively short-term and mild baby blue symptoms such as mood swings, sadness, and anxiety to more severe postpartum psychosis characterized by paranoia, obsessive thoughts, and attempts to hurt oneself or the baby.” according to information published by the Mayo Clinic.
These symptoms readily affect the mother and child, and PPD affects more mothers than you can imagine. “In the United States, one in seven new mothers experiences PPD, ” according to the American Psychological Association. That number does not even include the mothers who get PDD again with their second or third child.
The cause of postpartum
After childbirth a dramatic drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the mother’s body may contribute to postpartum depression. However, scientists are still studying the reason behind it. This research also needs to be done in males, because fathers have been known to develop postpartum depression as well as mothers. (The Mayo Clinic)
“Studies show that 1 in 10 dads struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety as well,.” according to (Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D..There are many questions that still need to be answered regarding women’s health. What I want to research next week is what treatments and resources are available for mothers with postpartum. I want to find out if these mothers are even taken seriously when they tell their doctors about it. There are many questions that still need to be answered regarding women’s health. What I want to research next week is what treatments and resources are available for mothers with postpartum. I want to find out if these mothers are even taken seriously when they tell their doctors about it.