Postpartum Depression After C-Section

Some women experience postpartum depression after c-section, whether due to feelings of anxiety about taking care of a new baby, lack of sleep, or a history of mental illness. Symptoms can include thoughts of suicide, anxiety or panic attacks, depression, and anger. If symptoms of postpartum depression after c-section persist for 2 weeks or more, or if they become more severe, treatment should be sought.

C-Section Complications

Postpartum Depression After C-Section: An Overview

In the first days after childbirth, about 8 out of 10 women will experience mood swings or mild depression, often called the "baby blues." It is considered normal for women to feel the baby blues for about 3 to 10 days after childbirth. These feelings usually go away in a week or two, and don't need to be treated.

But if your blues last longer than 2 weeks, or are more severe, you may have postpartum depression, which happens in about 10 to 15 out of 100 women.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression After C-Section

With postpartum depression, women commonly experience:

Strong feelings of depression, anger, doubt, guilt, or helplessness that seem to get worse over time
An inability to care for themselves or their baby
Change in appetite
Anxiety or panic attacks
Being intensely worried or concerned about the baby
Having little or no interest in the baby
Thoughts of suicide.

Causes of Postpartum Depression After C-Section

These feelings can happen for many reasons, including:

Hormonal changes
Anxiety about taking care of a new baby
Exhaustion from labor and lack of sleep
Feeling overwhelmed with life's circumstances
Having little or no help during the first few days after giving birth
An emotional letdown following the experience of childbirth
Previous mental illness or depression.

(Postpartum Depression After C-Section Continued: Page 2)