Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes
that happen in some women after giving birth.
RISK FACTORS

 You have bipolar disorder

 You have financial problems
 Low self-esteem
 You have difficulty of breastfeeding
 You have a history of depression
 The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
 Stress at home and at work
 Lack of support system

Baby blue symptoms

 Mood swings
 Anxiety
 Sadness
 Irritability
 Feeling overwhelmed
 Crying
 Reduced concentration
 Appetite problems
 Trouble sleeping

Postpartum symptoms
 Inability to stop crying
 Intense irritability and anger
 Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
 Overall feeling of sadness
 Severe anxiety and panic attacks
 Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
 Hopelessness

Medical management
 Antidepressant
 Counseling
 Treatment (Baby blues)
 Get as much rest as you can.
 Accept help from family and friends.
 Connect with other new moms.
 Create time to take care of yourself.
 Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can make mood swings worse.

BUBBLEHE

B- Breast
U-Uterus
B-Bladder
B-Bowel movement
L-Lochia
E-Episiotomy
H-Homans sign
E-Emotional status

EMOTIONAL STATUS- Fluctuations in estrogen level are blamed for the emotional roller-
coaster that many moms experience after birth .
High level of stress, increased responsibility, and sleep deprivation exacerbate this.

Common postpartum assessments findings

 The taking in phase
 Usually sets 1 to 2 days after delivery
 The woman prefers to talk about her experiences during labor and birth and also her
pregnancy.
 Taking Hold phase
 She start to focus on the newborn instead of herself and begins to actively participate in
newborn care.
 Letti go phase
 the woman finally accepts her new role and gives up her old roles like being a childless
woman or just a mother of one child.
 This is the phase where postpartum depression may set in.
Nursing interventions

 Assist the woman in planning for her daily activities, such as her nutrition
program, exercise, and sleep.
 Recommend support groups to the woman so she can have a system where she
can share her feelings.
 Advise the woman to take some time for herself every day so she can have a
break from her regular baby care.
 Encourage the woman to keep in touch with her social circle as they can also
serve as her support system.