In the Beginning: Get Well Informed

It has taken me a long time to write this blog, and I think that's because it hits so close to home. Baby blues and postpartum depression are very real and something every expectant mom should know about before they delivering their baby.

When your baby finally arrives, everyone will be thrilled with the new addition to your family....except you. Don't let this bother you. Most mothers, and fathers, aren't instantly infatuated with their new child. The media has warped our sense of motherhood and the reality of new mothers' connections to their babies. However, it is important for all mothers to be aware of healthy and unhealthy signs of attachment after their child is born.

While researching this topic, I discovered that I actually suffered from baby blues after my first child and postpartum depression after my second child. My doctor gave me medicine after my first delivery but didn't really explain what the medicine was for and I discontinued using it after I "felt better". After delivering my second child, it took me five months and a lot of scary symptoms before I went looking for help. Once I found the help I needed, I finally got my life back to normal. However, until this blog I never knew that the symptoms I was exhibiting were actually signs of postpartum depression. I wish had learned more about this aspect of pregnancy before I delivered my babies.

Below I have listed several websites that have information about baby blues and postpartum depression. Not only is it important for you to review the information, it is important for your husband and a trusted friend to also know the symptoms. Make sure they understand that if you do suffer from baby blues or depression, you may not be able to make good choices about your medical needs to overcome the symptoms. Let them know that if you actually do suffer from BB or PPD that you will rely on them to help you receive the assistance you need from your obstetrician.

I am not a physician but a mom who thinks you ought to know. Hopefully you will never need this information and you will have a healthy mother/child bond. But just in case, you will have a head start on the knowledge you need to understand baby blues and postpartum depression.

www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm

www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546

www.emedicinehealth.com/postpartum_depression/page2_em.htm