Postnatal depression is more than just the ‘baby blues’ that many women experience in the 3 to 5 days after giving birth. It is the name given to a specific depression that develops between one month to one year after the birth of a baby and affects 1 in seven to ten women who give birth in Australia each year¹.

Having a baby is a major life event and no matter how prepared or excited you are there will always be a level of adjustment that accompanies the birth of a baby. While this adjustment period can feel stressful, for most women it is usually temporary and eases as they get to know their baby and adjust to the changes in their body and family. However, for other women, professional help may be needed. If you are concerned that you, your partner, friend or loved one may be experiencing more than just the ‘baby blues’, some of the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression to look out for include - 

• Excessive worrying about their baby
• Feelings of being an inadequate mother
• Tearfulness and irritability
• Finding it hard to concentrate or remember things
• Feeling like life is meaningless
• Feeling unable to cope
• Having exceptionally low moods
• Changed sleeping patterns or sleeplessness
• Lack of appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness about the future
• Feelings of anxiety or experiencing panic attacks
• Feelings of anxiety, guilt, shame, worthlessness, emptiness and exhaustion
•  Lack of interest in sex

There are a range of helpful and accessible treatments and support available for mothers suffering from postnatal depression including counselling, support groups and for more severe cases, medication. It’s important to note that fathers can also experience depression after a baby is born. If you have been prescribed medication for postnatal depression, your community pharmacist is a helpful and accessible source of advice and support and can answer any questions you may have about medicine safety while breastfeeding or side effects you may be experiencing. If you have recently had a baby, it's important to remember the following as you adjust to the changes in your life.

• Ask for help
• Make time for social interaction with friends and family
• Anticipate that there will be good days and bad days
• Be realistic about personal expectations
• While difficult, try to prioritise sleep, rest and relaxation when possible
• Talk about your feelings
• Follow a sensible and healthy diet and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine

You can speak to Louise, Stacey and the team at Capital Chemist Southlands. They are located at the Mawson Shopping Centre and have a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in community pharmacy.

¹ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/postnatal-depression-pnd