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