What is PPMD (Postpartum Mood Disorder)?
PPMD brochure
Depression is one of the most common negative outcomes of pregnancy, affecting about 13% of women. It can begin in pregnancy, right after birth, or anytime within the first year after having a baby.
Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) is a term used to describe some of the symptoms of depression after pregnancy, with the addition of anxiety.
What are the signs of PPMD?
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Having a fear of being alone with your baby
- Feeling hopeless, sad or lonely
- Changes to sleeping and eating patterns
- Fear that you may harm yourself or your baby
What are the risk factors that can lead to PPMD?
- Depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy
- Family history of depression
- Stressful life events
- Lack of social support
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties
- Personality of mother (worrier, nervous)
- Pregnancy complications
PPMD can interfere with mother-infant bonding, can negatively influence maternal health and can create stress amongst other family relationships.
What can dads do to help?
Dealing with postpartum mood disorder can be demanding for everyone involved. There are some things fathers and partners can do to make it easier: reassure your partner; listen without judging; be patient and realize you cannot be the solution finder; encourage your partner to seek outside help if she needs it. More information and tips for partners is available at www.helpformom.ca/tipsfordads.
Where can someone get help in Oxford County?
More resources
Mother Reach
Pacific Post Partum Support Society
Postpartum Support International
Motherisk
PPD Support