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 Although having a baby is a joyous time for most women,
it is very common for new mothers to feel sad, afraid, angry
or anxious. Most new mothers have these feelings in a mild
form called postpartum blues – sometimes called “baby
blues.” Postpartum blues almost always go away in a
matter of days.
However, approximately 10 percent of new mothers develop
a more troublesome condition called postpartum depression
(PPD), which lasts longer, is more intense and often requires
counseling and treatment.
“Many first time moms are more anxious than depressed,” says
Jami Messina, Ph.D., facilitator of Saint Barnabas Medical
Center's free Postpartum Depression Support Group. “They
are shocked by the adjustment and lack of sleep, and may be
grieving for their loss of freedom and identity. These women
benefit greatly by a support group with other women who validate
their feelings. They are relieved that others share their
thoughts and feelings.” Some first time mothers are
career women who have concerns about juggling work responsibilities
with new expectations and roles. They wonder how they can
possibly fit everything in, says Dr. Messina.
Some new mothers are afraid to seek help because of a perceived
stigma that they are not “maternal” if they are
struggling in their new role. “Before you can perform
basic care and loving care for your baby, you have to help
yourself feel better,” says Dr. Messina.
About 50 percent of the time, it is the partner who seeks
help for the spouse suffering from PPD.
Postpartum moms and their spouses should be aware of the
following warning signs:
- extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- sadness
- depression or hopelessness
- sleep disturbances
- poor concentration/confusion
- over or under concern for the
baby
- uncontrollable crying or irritability
- lack of interest in
the baby
- fear of harming the baby or self
Postpartum depression can result from a combination of hormonal
and physical changes. Environmental factors, such as stress
and lack of support from friends and family, can exacerbate
the situation. Some women appear to have a higher risk of
postpartum depression. This includes those who have had postpartum
depression before and those with a psychiatric history.
Reaching out for help is an important step toward recovery.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center provides a free Postpartum
Depression Support Group every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. at the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center (ACC),
200 South Orange Avenue in Livingston, across from the Livingston
Mall. Women may register by calling Saint Barnabas Medical
Center at (973) 322-2584.
The ACC offers free baby and child sitting services to those
who call (973) 322-7309 at least 24 hours in advance. In addition
to the support group, women can be referred the following
hotline, 1-800-300-0628, which is operated by the SBHCS Behavioral
Health Network. This crisis intervention service is available
24 hours a day.
Devendra Kurani, M.D., attending psychiatrist and Chair
of the Department of Psychiatry at Saint Barnabas Medical
Center, is also available for referrals by calling (973) 535-3131.
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