The long-awaited arrival of "Junior" has finally happened. Weight gain the size of the national debt, waddle walking, maternity fashion statements, uncomfortable and sleepless nights, and out-of-control hormones are all behind you. The actual birth is still vivid in your mind. You're disgusted that you're still large, walking funny and sleepless. Your hormones are continuing to rage. You've done your part to perpetuate the human race --- a feat deserving nothing less than sainthood --- but you barely receive a pat on the back. The baby gets all the attention, and you get the blues. You're not alone. An estimated 40 to 80 percent of all women who give birth experience the blues during the postpartum period.

Birth is supposed to be a joyous occasion, so when the postpartum blues hit, most women are reluctant to discuss it with their doctors, their husbands or anyone else. Feelings other than ecstasy and celebration get covered up.

In reality, however, becoming a mother is a major physical and psychological adjustment. Pregnancy causes major changes within your body: physical, chemical and hormonal. Assuming the maternal role means significant losses for many women: loss of independence, loss of lifestyle, loss of figure, loss of personal space, loss of friends. Women who have previously viewed themselves as "liberated" may have a difficult time adjusting to the more traditional demands of motherhood.

Compounding these feelings of loss are the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Sleep deprivation (a standard form of torture for prisoners of war) is the norm. The baby's needs reign supreme at mealtime, bath time or any time. Some days, just getting dressed is a challenge. No wonder so many new mothers feel blue!

The garden variety postpartum blues generally occur within three to five days after the baby's birth and (thankfully) last only a short time. Symptoms can include tearfulness, sadness, crying spells, irritability, anxiety and changes in sleeping patterns or appetite.

When symptoms last two or more weeks, interfere with the mother's competence to care for her baby, cause confusion or an inability to concentrate, or involve thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, it's more than just the blues. Chances are, it's postpartum depression, a problem experienced by 10 to 20 percent of all women during the first three months after childbirth.

Very severe cases of postpartum depression are called postpartum psychosis and can include hallucinations and delusions. Fortunately, postpartum psychosis is rare, occurring in between one and four of every 1,000 pregnancies.

Experts aren't sure what causes postpartum depression and psychosis. One school of thought is that fluctuating hormone levels in late pregnancy and after the baby is born are responsible. Others believe societal factors are to blame. They view postpartum depression as a response to the stress associated with giving birth and becoming a mother. There is no evidence to support the notion that affected women have something wrong with them.

Mothers suffering from postpartum depression or psychosis need professional help. Unfortunately, it's difficult for women to recognize that help is needed. Often, a family member, health care professional or friend must suggest it.

Prompt treatment is vital, since a mother's depression affects not only herself, but her baby. The mother's irritability, withdrawal and fatigue interfere with the bonding process and deprive the baby of the affection needed for healthy development. Studies show that children whose parents suffer from depression are three times more likely to develop emotional problems such as attention deficit disorders, separation anxiety and substance abuse.

For new mothers with the garden-variety blues, try these simple home remedies:

• Try to meet your own basic needs for rest and nutritious foods.
• Allow others to help with housework and newborn care. Share responsibilities with your partner or spouse.
• During the first weeks after the baby's birth, make it a priority to get out of the house and spend time with people who are supportive, even if the time is short.
• Pamper yourself whenever possible. Doing things for yourself that normally make you feel better will lift your spirits.
• Feel free to decline visitors. Don't entertain if having extra people around is stressful for you.
• Cry if you need to. Depression also worsens if it's bottled up.
• Participate in activities with other new mothers, even if it's just a coffee klatch or a walk around the block.
• If your blues don't go away within a week or you begin developing symptoms of true postpartum depression, seek professional help.

If you or someone you love is suffering from postpartum depression, call Baptist Hospital East's Center for Behavioral Health® at (502) 896-7105 or toll-free 1-800-478-1105. Help is available 24 hours a day.

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