How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one out of seven women in the United States. Postpartum depression can be confusing for many women who have given birth. Giving birth to a new baby should be a joyous occasion, so why might you feel depressed?

What are the most common postpartum depression symptoms? How long does it last and does it need treatment? Keep reading and learn more about it below.

What You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression

PPD is often known as baby blues. But these are two different conditions. Baby blues is a minor form of sadness that may last for a few days or weeks after giving birth.

Postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer. There are many postpartum depression causes. It most likely is due to the fluctuation of hormones in a woman's body after she gives birth.

Giving birth releases a slew of hormones. These hormones help the mother connect with the new baby. But they can also change the woman's mood and emotions.

These hormonal fluctuations can last for days or weeks after giving birth. Women during this stage may have mood swings and bouts of depression. This is not abnormal.

It is the body's natural way of regulating itself after giving birth. You may find yourself crying more easily. You may find that you are angry or sad for no reason.

Minor things may upset you. PPD sets in a few days after giving birth to a baby. This condition may last a few days, weeks, or months. This type of depression does not last as long as regular depression.

This is because it is usually caused by hormonal changes. Once your hormones go back to normal, your PPD should disappear. But this does not mean that PPD isn't a problem to be concerned about.

PPD can make it difficult to enjoy your new baby. You may feel guilty for feeling depressed after giving birth. But you shouldn't blame yourself for these feelings.

The Details

Many women experience PPD and they get over it with time. This type of depression is mild compared to clinical depression. Sadness or a feeling of heaviness may follow you for several weeks.

You may also experience anxiety and anger. It may be hard for you to concentrate. You may have trouble sleeping and you may feel overwhelmed. 

These are all common symptoms of postpartum depression.

PPD may make you feel that you can't bond with your baby. You may feel guilt, shame, and hopelessness. You may be haunted by the fear that you won't make a good mother. 

There is also a condition called postpartum psychosis. This condition is rare and it is a severe form of postpartum depression. You may feel the need to harm yourself or your baby. 

You may also stop eating or sleeping. You may become paranoid and think that someone is trying to harm your baby. Postpartum psychosis often needs professional treatment. 

But what about postpartum depression? Do you need professional treatment, or should you wait for it to go away?

Treating Postpartum Depression

Some new mothers won't admit that they are suffering from postpartum depression. They may feel ashamed that they are depressed after giving birth. They may feel that people will judge them or think they are not a good mother.

But hiding this problem won't make it better. It is better to express your concerns. The symptoms of PPD go away within one to two weeks. 

This is when your hormones should go back to normal. You should no longer feel as anxious or depressed as before. But you may have a more serious problem if these symptoms last longer than two weeks.

It is important to call your gynecologist. Explain the symptoms you have been experiencing. Your doctor will give you some advice on what you can do to feel better.

You should call your doctor earlier if your symptoms are very severe. You may feel that you are unable to do anything because of your depression. You may also feel the urge to hurt yourself or your child. 

These symptoms are severe and may indicate postpartum psychosis instead of depression. This requires immediate treatment. 

What You Need to Know

Some mild forms of postpartum depression don't need any treatment. You may feel sad for a week or so and the feeling will go away. But some women find their depression unbearable. 

It is important to take care of yourself as well as your baby. Get plenty of sleep. Take naps during the day if you feel they will help you. 

Try talking with other mothers and see what experiences they're going through. Get support from your family and friends too. Try spending more time with your baby.

Breastfeeding is a great way to connect with your child. It also releases the hormone oxytocin which is a feel-good hormone. This can help fight your depression.

Psychotherapy can be a big help. This allows you to talk about how you feel with a trained therapist. Antidepressant medication may also help with severe forms of PPD or psychosis. 

They can also be used while you're breastfeeding. 

All about Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a real problem that many mothers suffer from. It starts a few days after giving birth and may last several weeks. PPD often goes away on its own, but some forms may require treatment. 

Therapy and medication can help. Resting and spending time with your baby can also help.

1 Natural Way Can Help

1 Natural Way helps moms get a breast pump and maternity wellness benefits through insurance. Check out our postpartum wellness products and services. If you are ready to get a breast pump or maternity wellness benefits set up an account today or call us at (888) 977-2229

About the Author

Cindy Puppos is 1 Natural Way's Customer Service Manager, so she has a good idea of all the different and wonderful questions that moms have for her team. Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps!