Postpartum Depression

When the Blues Turn Black: Who Suffers from Postpartum Depression and What You Can do about It
Marilee was happy and relieved when her son, Sean, was born. Nine months of pregnancy and a couple of years of trying to get pregnant prior to that have been a long time for her to wait. But now, she was holding little Sean in her arms, admiring his perfect little body, kissing his little forehead and cheeks and feeling like that most blessed woman on earth. However, on the second day following the birth Marilee found herself upset for no apparent reason. She found it hard to hold her tears back when a nurse said something to her about her not holding her baby in the right position. She was later extremely upset at her husband Dave for showing up 15 minutes later than he said he was going to be. At night, she could not fall asleep even when the baby was asleep as she was going over labor and birth in her mind, feeling disappointed and upset at times and feeling thankful at others. Marilee was not sure what was going on and was wondering if she had developed Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum Blues: A benign and transient condition

Pregnant and Depressed? Help is Available!

Contrary to widespread beliefs, pregnancy does not protect a woman from depression. According to a recent study published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health in February 2012, up to 20% of pregnant women experience some symptoms of depression. That means 1 in every 5...

Why it is important to keep an open mind about your birth plan

Pregnant women in Canada have been encouraged to make a birth plan for over two decades. In her birth plan a woman is supposed to state her wants, wishes and preferences regarding any interventions during labour and birth. Many women choose to make a plan that is natural...

Sleep deprived and Depressed? There may well be a connection!

Every new parent and, especially every mother suffers from some sleep deprivation in the first few week/months following the arrival of the baby. But researchers have now identified a strong link between excessive sleep deprivation and postpartum depression. At the 4th World Congress on Women's...