Dr. Robi Speaks To The Seriousness Of Postpartum Depression

Dr. Robi, Butterfly's guest psychotherapist, is a nationally known personality on several programs like: Today, E!, Regis and Kelly, Oprah, The View and Bill O’Reilly to name a few.

How might a mom know if she’s suffering from post-partum depression? What can she do to change the situation?
Postpartum depression is depression after childbirth. Sometimes it’s due to hormonal changes that trigger these symptoms. Some researchers think the big change in hormone levels may lead some women to feel depressed after childbirth.

Other factors that can play a role in postpartum depression too, like having a genetic predisposition for depression, a positive family history, as well as a personal history for depression. Some psychosocial factors like feeling tired after delivery, overwhelmed by a new baby, having doubts about the ability to be a good mother, stressors from a change in work and home routines, a lack of free time, feeling unattractive, and/or an unrealistic need to be the perfect mom can also contribute to this type of condition.

Symptoms for postpartum depression last longer and are more severe than “baby blues”, which typically only last for a few days to a week. Postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year of childbirth. Symptoms can also include thoughts of hurting the baby or oneself, difficulty bonding with the infant, crying spells, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, feeling sad, anxious and overwhelmed. Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor who specializes in treating depression; especially if these symptoms last two weeks or longer.





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