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.

  • You feel very sad or hopeless and lose interest in daily activities.

  • You sleep too much or not enough.

  • You feel tired or as if you have no energy.

  • You eat too much or too little.

  • You write or talk about death. Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

    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

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