Many can feel down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth – which is commonly called the baby blues.
But experts warn if these symptoms, such as a persistent feeling of low mood, a lack of enjoyment, difficulty bonding with the baby, loss of interest in the world around them and lack of energy could mean a woman is suffering with post natal depression.
Singer Adele has admitted suffering with the condition after the birth of her son.
Dr Miriam Stoppard joined This Morning hosts Ruth and Eamonn to give advice to women suffering from post-natal depression.
Dr Miriam Stoppard said: “You can be free of it in one and have it in the next pregnancy. It is quite unpredictable. It has to be nipped in the bud.”
“There is no question it is hormonal. The progesterone hormone plummets down.
“For the body that is cataclysmic. It affects your mental state. You become very emotional.
“It is a definite medical condition.
“The baby blues normally clear up within ten days. If it goes on over two weeks you have a medical condition which needs medical treatment.”
One caller, Aimee, said she had her son two and half years ago.
Aimee said: “Only the birth of my second son was about a year ago. That’s when it hit me. It wasn’t normal. I didn’t feel normal. I have had it for two and a half years.”
Aimee said she has had CBT but doesn’t feel she is getting better.
Dr Miriam said it can take the body a while to get back to normal.
“If you think you have got it, you probably have. I think you need help. We are trying to get the body back to the normal state. I want to suggest that you need more help than you are getting. I do believe you are depressed.
“I think you may need antidepressants. See you doctor and say I would like to get back to normal.
“Whatever you do Aimee, don’t go on suffering.”
Mary said she has suffered with post-natal depression.
“My son is going to be eight very soon,” she said.
“At the moment I’m struggling to have a conversation with him. I have a real fear of holding his hand and bathing him.
“I have a two year old. I have a brilliant bond with him and I think my other son does pick up on that.”
Dr Miriam said: “You should go to see your doctor and I think you probably need family therapy. Your partner and your wider family.”
Jessica said she is taking tablets for her post natal depression but doesn’t know how long she should take them.
She said: “I’ve started feeling a change. Now I’m feeling better, how can I feel this way forever.”
Dr Miriam said: “Feel better for a few months. It’s very important you are weaned off them slowly. You have to go on taking them. Enjoy being on the antidepressants and let them take their time.”
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