Postpartum Period

The Maternal Postpartum Period

• Emotional fluctuations are common and expected, and may persist for several weeks. However, it can also evolve to PPMAD
• Postpartum depression: involves a more major depressive episode, typically about four or more weeks after delivery.
• **Women of every culture, age, income level, and race can develop PMADs. **
• Therapeutic intervention is considered effective treatment, and for many, potentially coupled with medication when indicated.

PPD Effects and Treatment

• Postpartum depression has numerous effects:
  • Mother-infant interaction.
  • Risk of additional medical and psychological disorders.
  • Child(ren)’s physical health and cognitive development.
• Support of the partner can help lower the incidence of postpartum depression.
• Treatable and Temporary with correct therapeutic intervention, education, med consult, support
• Plan - Pre-empt issues and concerns; especially if known risks or prior history of mental illness

The Partners

• Dads, non-birthing mothers, or partners, and other helpers also need support and connection.
• As many as 1 in 10 report depressive symptoms
• PPD can be harder to diagnose in males. Male postpartum depression symptoms may also include:
  • Sadness, irritability, agitation, and/or anger
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Loss of interest in sex or activities that used to bring them joy
  • Engagement in risky behaviors like abusing alcohol or drugs, gambling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • “Overworking”, distracting self with work related tasks
  • Father’s postpartum reaction is likely improved if he has taken childbirth classes and is an active participant in caring for the baby.

LGBTQ Families

• Non-gestational parents
  • At mercy of health care provider
  • Attachment concerns
  • Desire for social recognition
  • Identity issues
  • Lack of support groups
  • Postpartum depression
  • Data mixed.
  • Some added protective factors (higher life satisfaction among gay men, less gender-role conforming postpartum); additional risk factors (biases during prenatal and postnatal care, parental leave)
  • Community support critical, Doula support, legal support for adoption and surrogacy

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