*DISCLOSURE: THIS IS A SPONSORED POST ON BEHALF OF INSPIRA HEALTH. THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN. AFFILIATE LINKS CONTAINED IN THIS POST.
I have been very open about my own personal postpartum depression experience in the past, but it is still a question that we receive emails about asking for us to expand on more. I think that it’s one of those things where most people are still afraid to even talk about it for fear of being labeled as a bad parent.
Luckily, it does seem like more and more people are being more open to discussing what it looks like and how it affects individual families.
Postpartum depression isn’t a cookie cutter. It doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people may experience mild symptoms while others may be in the thick of it daily.
That doesn’t mean that one person has it easier.
What I think I have learned throughout this journey of parenting is that what may derail me or completely upend my own life or how I handle situations, another person may not be affected by that at all. And vice versa.
It’s important for us as parents to realize that being a new parent (whether it’s baby #1 or #8) can affect each of us differently.
I had a chance to ask Dr. Josephine Urbina from Inspira Health about postpartum depression and I wanted to share with you 3 things that I feel like could help all new parents in the beginning of trying to understand it.
How do you know it’s postpartum depression and not “baby blues”?
Dr. Urbina said that up to 75% of birthing parents will have experience with crying, anxiety, mood swings, and even restlessness during the first few weeks after giving birth to their baby.
This is known as “baby blues” and completely normal. Hello, complete shift of hormones!
These feelings can even escalate when you are tired or anxious.
According to the National Institute for Health, 10-20% of birthing parents will be affected by postpartum depression.
After two weeks of baby blues symptoms, if you are still feeling overwhelmed or like you can’t take care of your baby, then something more serious may be happening, like postpartum depression.
Some common signs, according to Inspira Health and Dr. Urbina are:
- feeling of hopelessness
- anxiety and panic attacks
- loss of appetite
- feelings of failure
- thinking your baby or family may be better off without you
- lack of concentration
If you have any of these signs, it’s important to follow up with your care provider to get help. Always seek help immediately if you feel like you may hurt yourself or your baby
I’m afraid if I reach out, they will take my child away. Is this true?
It’s embarrassing to ask for help, especially if you feel like you aren’t living up to being the best parent. Even more so if you are feeling helpless, having anxiety attacks or even postpartum rage.
Inspira Health doctors, nurses, and care team members, along with other hospitals just want to assist parents in getting the help they need.
They work to help identify how the parent is suffering from postpartum depression and then update their charts, get them connected with behavioral health team members the same day they reach out, and provided resources, groups, and assistance in helping the parents get through postpartum depression.
Dr. Urbina says that things like eating well, getting rest, exercising, and medications can all help with postpartum depression and their goal is to get you the help you need.
In the case of postpartum depression, a trained professional can find you the right treatment for yourself and your family.
I feel like I have postpartum depression, but my care provider told me no. What now?
Inspira Health doctors, nurses, and midwives actually screen for postpartum depression throughout pregnancy. If you have any concerns you can reach out during or in between any visits. Their goal is to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support to help you understand the changes before, during, and after birth.
This way you can get the right treatment and support immediately.
If you still feel like you need more, you can always reach out to another provider for a second opinion.
We know that having a baby, let alone having a new baby with postpartum depression isn’t easy. We hope that this helps in answering some main questions about postpartum depression. Do you have other questions? Let us know and we will be sure to answer them below.
We're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. 
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