Why you shouldn’t be ashamed of Postpartum Depression

If you’re a new mom, it is essential to know that approximately 11.5 percent of women experience postpartum depression.

Often confused with the baby blues, PPD is the most common medical complication of childbirth and if it is left untreated, can have some devastating consequences.

CEO of Healthy Women and registered nurse Beth Battaglino says learning the difference between the baby blues and PPD is important.

“Most new moms will experience some sort of baby blues, it is a very short period, it can last from two days to two weeks max. It’s a feeling of anxiousness, definitely some stress, fatigue, and anxiety. But again, those go away within a two week period,” said Battaglino.

“With postpartum depression, it’s mood swings, it’s extreme fatigue, it’s feeling of not wanting to bond with that baby, not wanting to hold the baby, not talking to the baby,” said Battaglino.

A survey of 1000 women said that 91 percent were already diagnosed with PPD but 51 percent were embarrassed about their diagnosis.

Battaglino is advising mothers to speak up and embrace this new path in their life.

“We need to let women know that it’s okay to speak up, it’s okay to talk about mental health and that we need to get them access to care so they can be treated and enjoy this joyous time in their life,” said Battaglino.

If you are experiencing symptoms of PPD please contact your medical doctor.