- Intense feelings of sadness, guilt, despair, helplessness, anxiety, and irritability, which may disrupt your ability to function
- Appetite changes
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- "Baby blues" that haven't gone away after 2 weeks.
Postpartum
depression can be successfully treated in most cases with
antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, participation in a support group, or a combination of these treatments.
A breast infection, also called mastitis, is another possible complication. Symptoms of a breast infection may include:
- Soreness or a lump in the breast accompanied by a fever and/or flu-like symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowish discharge from the nipple
- Breasts feel warm or hot to the touch
- Pus or blood in the milk
- Red streaks near the area.
These symptoms may come on severely and suddenly.
Ways to relieve symptoms include:
- Apply heat (heating pad or small hot-water bottle) to the sore area
- Massage the area, starting behind the sore spot. Use your fingers in a circular motion and massage toward the nipple.
- Breastfeed often on the affected side.
- Rest as much as possible
- Wear a well-fitting supportive bra that is not too tight.
If your symptoms are not relieved within 24 hours of following these suggestions, see a healthcare provider (you may need an antibiotic).
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