Depression After Childbirth: Care Instructions
It's common to lose sleep, feel irritable, and cry easily during the first few days after childbirth. Hormone changes and the demands of a new baby can cause these "baby blues." If these mood changes last more than 2 weeks, you may have postpartum depression. This is a medical condition that requires treatment.
If you have any of these signs, you may be depressed. See your doctor right away.
-
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
What you can do
- Try to go to all of your counseling sessions.
- Take medicines as directed.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Get daily exercise, such as walks.
- Try to get some sunlight every day.
- Avoid using alcohol or other substances.
- Get as much rest as possible.
- Connect with friends, and join a support group for new parents.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are having trouble caring for yourself or your baby.
- You hear voices.
Contact your doctor if:
- You have problems with your medicines.
- You do not get better as expected.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter Y765 in the search box to learn more about "Depression After Childbirth: Care Instructions".
Current as of: October 20, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff You are leaving this website for information purposes only
Medical Review: You are leaving this website for information purposes onlySarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine