Doctor’s diary
Article Source: Health And Fitness Journal
By Dr Susie Tunstall-Pedoe
Postnatal depression affects about one in 10 mothers in the UK. It usually develops in the first few weeks after childbirth. BBC diary doctor, Dr Susie Tunstall-Pedoe, talks about the condition, and how she helped one new mum cope.
The baby blues usually occurs in the first week after a new baby is born and is a very normal experience. Mums feel tearful, exhausted and anxious about how they are going to cope, but these feelings usually don’t last for long.
Around 10% -15% of women develop post-natal depression. It often presents when the baby is around three months old, but can occur up to one year after birth. Some of the common symptoms are crying a lot, difficulty sleeping, feeling like a bad mother, anxiety and panic attacks.
Some women are more at risk; those who have had depression in the past, and those who have had a difficult pregnancy or problems with the baby’s health. Also women who are isolated, or have had a recent bereavement.
Often treatment will involve increased support or talking therapies, but some women require antidepressants. These work well and can be prescribed to breast feeding women.
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This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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Article Source: Health And Fitness Journal
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