Ang, Aila Queen C.

BSN-2
Clinical Duty: April 1-2, 2020
CI: Matilde Latorre, RN,MN
Shift: 7am-3pm

Post-Partum Depression
Definition
Post-Partum Depression

The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and
anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect depression. Most new moms experience
postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and
difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for
up to two weeks. But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as
postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after
childbirth. Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of
giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and
help you bond with your baby.

Signs and symptoms

 Overall feeling of sadness. This is very evident in postpartum depression, especially if it already

affects the daily tasks of the woman.
 Extreme fatigue. The woman would only want to lie in bed all day because she is feeling very tired
at all times.
 Inability to stop crying. Due to the intense sadness that the woman feels, she may only feel like
crying all the time just to express her feelings.
 Increased anxiety. The woman is always overly anxious about her own and her baby’s health.
 The woman may feel insecure because of the lack of support system and she has no one to assist her
in taking care of the infant.
Pathophysiology

 An anticlimactic feeling is experienced by the woman after birth.

 Hormonal changes in estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone rises and falls.

Treatment

If you have a history of depression — especially postpartum depression — tell your doctor if you're planning on
becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

 During pregnancy, your doctor can monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. He or
she may have you complete a depression-screening questionnaire during your pregnancy and after
delivery. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies.
In other cases, antidepressants may be recommended — even during pregnancy.

 After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for signs
and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier it's detected; the earlier treatment can begin. If you
have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressant treatment or
psychotherapy immediately after delivery.
Treatment and recovery time vary, depending on the severity of your depression and your individual needs. If
you have an underactive thyroid or an underlying illness, your doctor may treat those conditions or refer you to
the appropriate specialist. Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health professional.

Nursing Intervention

 Assist the woman in planning for her daily activities, such as her nutrition program, exercise,
and sleep.
 Recommend support groups to the woman so she can have a system where she can share her feelings.
 Advise the woman to take some time for herself every day so she can have a break from her regular
baby care.
 Encourage the woman to keep in touch with her social circle as they can also serve as her support
system.
Evaluation

 The patient engages more in social activities.

 The patient can express her feelings and insecurities.
 The patient can perform her activities of daily living.
 The patient recognizes the importance of counseling and regularly attends one.
The psychological health of a mother has as much impact as well as her physical health. Her well-being must
also be ensured because she is the number caregiver of the infant, and the bonding between mother and child
would only be possible if both of them are in a state of good holistic health.