Postpartum Depression

Much more serious and lasting than the "baby blues," some women experience what is clinically referred to as postpartum depression. The following are the most common symptoms of postpartum depression. However, each woman experiences these symptoms differently. Symptoms include:

•     sadness
•     anxiety
•     hopelessness
•     fatigue or exhaustion
•     poor concentration
•     confusion
•     a fear of harming the newborn or yourself
•     mood swings characterized by exaggerated highs and/or lows
•     diminished libido (sex drive)
•     feelings of guilt
•     low self-esteem
•     uncontrolled crying and with no known cause
•     overconcern/overattentiveness for the newborn and/or a lack of interest for the newborn
•     appetite changes
•     sleep disturbances
•     resentment
•     memory loss
•     feelings of isolation