Postpartum Depression

After your baby is born, it is very common to feel anxious and even sad for a few weeks, also known as the 'baby blues'. These emotions can be related to changing hormonal levels after giving birth. For some people, the feelings of sadness just do not go away on their own. Your energy may feel depleted and you may lack any interest in your usual life. You may feel negative about yourself and the world. You may also experience intense worry about your baby or about bonding with your baby. Your sleep may be interrupted, which may make it harder to cope with the demands of day-to-day life.

If you are experiencing these feelings often and on an ongoing basis, you may be depressed. Try not to be hard on yourself, you may need some extra help to begin to feel better. Speak to your care provider who can help you recover by suggesting options including support, counselling, therapy and/or medication. There are some excellent resources to assist you to build self-help strategies and find help from professionals. See information on these resources below.

• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - Do you have postpartum depression? Common signs

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• Best Start by Health Nexus - Managing depression: a self-help skills resource for women

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• The MotHERS Program - Postpartum depression

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• HealthyFamiliesBC - Coping with postpartum depression and anxiety

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• Postpartum Support International - Get resources and help from this organization in support of perinatal mental health

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• Canadian Mental Health Association - Postpartum Depression

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• Black Doctor org - Baby blues and postpartum depression

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• Pregnancy to Parenting – Emotional health, information from Health professionals

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• Ontario Public Health Units – call your local health unit and ask about Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program supports