Maternal Depression 

After a couple of miscarriages, our third child was born three months ago. She is an easy-going baby.  However, I am not enjoying having her as much as I did with my first two children, who are both in elementary school. I don’t feel like playing with her. I can’t sleep or eat. And, I don’t want to smile.  I had depression when I was a teen and this feels similar.  But after everything we went through before she was born, I can’t understand why I wouldn’t want to be with her?

You’re not alone: while it may seem remarkable to that you “of all people” are experiencing symptoms of depression, it actually makes sense:

·   Ten percent of all mothers during their babies' first year experience post-partum mood disorders.

·   Parenting after loss, which can include miscarriage, military deployment, or the death of a loved one increases the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.

·   Mood disorders can reappear, in the same way that a person can experience flare-ups in a chronic condition.

Today the Minnesota Children’s Defense Fund released a report on maternal depression.  A copy of the report is available at http://www.cdf-mn.org/news.

When your have feelings of hopelessness, are unable to sleep, or have worries that interfere with the everyday joys and challenges of motherhood, it is important that let someone know and seek treatment. Both you and your baby deserve to have joy.  Don’t expect yourself to “buck up and be grateful” just because you have years of intention behind this healthy baby.  Remember that getting treatment is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and love for your baby and your family.

There are a range of effective treatments available to you, not all which involve medication. The Hennepin Women’s Mental Health Program provides evidence-based psychiatric care for women and offers a variety of other resources on their website at www.mnwomensprogram.org   With the help of your medical provider, you can find the right combination of treatment options. 

While you are recovering, enlist parenting partners as you would for any major illness.  Your baby needs to experience responsive, joyful care for the majority of her day.   Others significant adults in her life can help take her to the park, and read books to her while you are healing.  Every day moments, like singing to her while changing a diaper, supports the architecture of her brain.   High quality childcare is another resources to help her build her skills in communicating, problem solving, and expressing her emotions. 

Please reach out to your spouse, medical provider, pediatrician, friend or childcare director.  You and your baby are important and deserve the best. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are in need of immediate help, please contact 1-800-SUICIDE.

The National Hopeline Network connects you to a real person in your community who is ready to help. The website can also steer you to non-crisis services.