POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION Important Information to Share with Patients Before Discharge

The Importance of Nurses in Educating Patients As nurses, we have the most interaction with patients during their stay in the hospital A trusting relationship often develops between patient and nurse New mothers look towards nurses for guidance while in hospital Nurses teach patients how to physically care for themselves and their newborns We have much opportunity for teaching Mental health concerns must also be addressed

Facts and Statistics According to the CDC, 11-20% of women who give birth each year experience symptoms of postpartum depression If four million women give birth in the US each year, and roughly 15% are diagnosed with postpartum depression, that would be 600,000 women a large patient population= important issue Only 15% of women suffering from postpartum depression ever seek treatment Postpartum depression is considered to be the most common complication of childbirth

Postpartum Depression Education is a necessity because… Women suffering from this disease often think that these symptoms are “normal”, and do not seek treatment A mother suffering from postpartum depression without treatment will have difficulty fulfilling the needs of her children Women must be aware of the symptoms, as it is possible for them to appear months after hospital discharge

Triggers that Can Lead to PPD H/O of depression H/O of abuse H/O of mental illness Inability to breastfeed Smoking Alcohol use Anxiety before or during pregnancy Marital difficulties Mixed feelings about pregnancy Financial difficulties Lack of social support Health problems of the newborn Family H/O of postpartum depression Lack of sleep Inadequate nutrition Fears regarding childcare Mothers < 20 years old

Information on the “Baby Blues” A patient should also be educated on the “baby blues”, which are feelings of sadness or being overwhelmed Signs and symptoms include crying, irritability, decreased ability to concentrate, sadness, anxiety, mood swings and difficulty sleeping The baby blues only lasts anywhere from a few days to two weeks Symptoms go away without treatment after this short period of time, and mothers often adjust back into their usual lives Experiencing these symptoms for longer may be postpartum depression…a mother in this situation must seek help

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms Feelings may be similar to those of baby blues, but are much more intense and last longer Symptoms interfere with the ability to perform daily tasks and care for the baby Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or even longer

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms Possible Symptoms Fatigue Insomnia Loss of joy in life Loss of appetite Thought of self harm Thoughts of harming baby Difficulty connecting with baby Severe mood swings Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy Lack of sex drive Intense irritability and anger Withdrawal from family and friends

When a Patient Must Seek Help A mother must contact a healthcare provider if… They are experiencing any of the previously mentioned signs or symptoms If symptoms do not fade after two weeks If symptoms are getting worse If symptoms are interfering with caring for the baby If symptoms are interfering with other activities of daily life

Before Discharge from the Hospital, Nurses must… Identify if the patient is at an increased risk for postpartum depression Assess whether the patient is already experiencing any symptoms Make sure that patients are aware of the differences between the baby blues and postpartum depression Educate patients on recognizing the symptoms Educate family members on recognizing the signs and symptoms Give patients a handout that includes local information on how to seek help for postpartum depression

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References Collingwood, J. C. (2012, February 02). risk factors of postpartum depression. Retrieved from depression/ depression/ Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010, June 3). Mayo clinic. Retrieved from depression/DS depression/DS00546 Merrill, D. B. (2010). Pubmed health. In A.D.A.M., Inc. Retrieved from Postpartum Progress. (n.d.). Postpartum Depression Backgrounder. Retrieved from key-facts-statistics key-facts-statistics