Health care professionals are becoming more aware that the current baby boom has increased the need for readily available health information for expecting parents. Post Partum Depression, also termed the baby blues when considered a mild form of depression, is an area now included in most prenatal course material.  Prenatal classes now not only prepare parents for the coming birth, but also life with their new baby.  In the past this common and treatable mood disorder was not given the recognition and attention it deserved.  Women suffering from PPD did so in silence.  Today it is believed that approximately 80% of mothers experience some form of the baby blues.  This usually happens a few days after the birth and can last up to a week.  Feeling sad or overwhelmed are common symptoms and usually disappear on their own.  One out of six new mothers it is thought however, will experience depression or anxiety that will not go away as quickly.  While there are many affective therapies available to help mothers experiencing a more severe case of PPD, until recently, society had not accepted Post Partum Depression as a real and potentially serious condition.  Public education campaigns are currently leading the way in providing health support to women who are in need.

While there are quite a few symptoms of PPD, the most common are feeling persistently sad, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, feeling hopeless or worthless or guilty, fatigue, appetite changes and having thoughts of death or suicide.  Women who have a family history of depression or have suffered from depression in the past are believed to be more susceptible to PPD.

There is a great deal of current information and many resources regarding PPD available to women.  Literature is one avenue that can be sought out and may be the most accessible to the public.  Most books regarding pregnancy have within their pages, a specific section dedicated to PPD's causes, effects and treatments.  The highly acclaimed pregnancy guide,  "What to expect when you're expecting", lists common questions that women who are experiencing symptoms associated with PPD have and give informative answers to these questions.  Reading this type of book helps women realize that they are not alone.  There are also a number of books written that are dedicated solely to the care and condition of PPD.  Books such as “This Isn’t What I Expected” or “Postpartum Survival Guide” help educate and inform.  Feelings of both disappointment and sadness after the birth are not uncommon and these books strive to teach the reader that what they are experiencing should not be a source of shame or embarrassment.  Many mothers also feel pangs of regret or go through a low after the climatical birth. It is when these feelings grow stronger with time or thoughts of doing harm to the baby or oneself occur, that it is important to seek professional help, PPD literature is one way to start the healing process. 

Most literature that makes reference to PPD will include a list of mental health clinics and aid workers that are available. Walk-in clinics, hospitals and doctors offices are excellent places to receive advice and information regarding all types of depression.  PPD pamphlets are usually available in health related receptions and will include a list of symptoms and recommended care.  They will also detail current activities and groups for mother and baby to join in the area; as it is beneficial to women to develop relationships with other mothers.  It is always best to get information directly from a health care professional though, as they are equipped with the most current and accurate information regarding PPD and can recommend a therapist or support group if required. 

Web sites are also an easily accessible and great place to gather information. There are many sites specifically designed to promote healthy living for both mom and baby.  www.Postpartum.org is a highly recommended non profit site that has a vast amount of resources available to those suffering with PPD and their loved ones.  This site is particularly personable and intimate, inviting women to express personal feelings creatively with letters, stories and poetry.  Information is also available to fathers.  Dads can receive suggestions and advice as to how to help their partner cope through the trying times.      

What ever resource it is that is used to seek out information, in a great many cases a friendly chat about feelings of depression or simply becoming more informed about PPD can have a positive effect, but sometimes medication is recommended and necessary.  While much of the evidence to date shows that children whose mothers have taken antidepressant drugs while breastfeeding have not experienced any problems, small amounts will be present in the breast milk.  There are a number of medications considered safe, shown to affect breast milk the least amount of the available antidepressant drugs.  Lists detailing drugs that can be taken safely while breastfeeding are available. 

The thought of taking any type of drug or medication no matter how safe, may be unappealing to some new mothers.   There are a number of natural remedies that can be beneficial and alleviate PPD signs.  WWW.kellymom.com is a web site run by Kelly, an international certified lactation consultant.  Kelly's site lists safe drugs, stressing that it is more beneficial to mom and baby that a mother suffering from PPD take drugs then not, but she also lists natural remedies that can be taken.  Evening primrose oil, motherwort and blessed thistle are a few of the natural recommendations on her site.  Kelly herself can be contacted to answer questions regarding the information printed on her site, or one can locate a midwife or doula, women knowledgeable in the area of natural health care for both mom and baby.  

Breastfeeding, which has long since been considered the best way to nurture a new baby, apparently does a great deal of good for the mother as well.  Edda West, a breastfeeding councillor with the La Leche League, an organization created to help breastfeeding mothers, believes that breast is best and a way to minimize post baby depression.   West, who is also the first recognized doula within Ontario, explains that "breast feeding mothers have way less problems with depression for so many reasons.  Part of it is the hormones that circulate in her body which are stimulated by lactation as well as by all the satisfying cues she receives from her baby."  According to West, "feelings of being overwhelmed by the hard work of mothering affect women at times. That it is a universal feeling that all mothers struggle with from time to time."  But breastfeeding mothers are supported emotionally by the natural hormones released during feeding which are there to enhance her experience of bonding with her baby.  "Nature has designed breastfeeding to enable the mother to have profound feelings of joy, which are essentially hormonally stimulated."  The presence of hormones released during breastfeeding, such as prolactin, also known as the "mother love" hormone, help the bonding experience between a mother and her baby.  La Leche League groups are available in most areas and have a wonderful library of books available to mothers on all aspects of breastfeeding as well as other parenting topics of interest.

Whatever the level of Post Partum Depression a woman is suffering from, there is help available through many resources.  PPD does not go away on it's own.  It needs to be treated.  There is no need for any woman to go on suffering in silence.  PPD affects not only the mother but everyone in her life especially the baby.  A baby may not be getting the proper care required if mom is not well.  The bond between a child and mother depends on the emotional and physical involvement between the two.  A baby feels safe and secure when mother responds to its needs in a loving and sensitive way.  The baby learns to trust not only its mother but others during this crucial time.  A mother who is depressed may not be able to respond to her child in a loving way at all times and this may lead to security issues for the baby in the future.  A happy mom is the best type of mom.   

With the right kind of treatment, whether it is medication, individual therapy, family therapy or even natural remedies, PPD can be treated and cured.  There are so many facets of help available from people who realize the severity of this condition.  Practitioners are becoming much more educated on this topic and learning how to detect risk factors much sooner.  It is so important that women realize that PPD can be treated and if they are in any way suffering from it, it is time to get help.  There are so many options available to get better.  This is a time of joy that should not be stolen by sadness caused by Post Partum Depression.