Postpartum PTSD Archives - Postpartum Progress

Postpartum PTSD Is As Common As Postpartum Depression

By Katherine Stone October 4, 2012 Comments

Anywhere from 7-16% of new moms experience some level of postpartum PTSD, or postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, which reviewed a study by McGill University. This study found that risk factors for postpartum PTSD include a history of sexual trauma, higher sensitivity to anxiety or a more negative childbirth experience than expected. A previous study reviewed by MGH found that risk factors for postpartum PTSD included a history of infertility and obstetric complications.

MGH also takes a look at the conflicting studies on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, concluding, “What we can say at this point is that while SSRIs may affect certain neonatal outcomes, including risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight, they do not appear to dramatically increase the risk of these adverse outcomes.” Studies have also shown that depression during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery. So we’re still stuck in a “chicken or the” egg scenario, ladies.

October 4, 2012 10:15 am Filed Under: Postpartum PTSD

Good News on Postpartum Psychosis & Postpartum OCD

By Katherine Stone June 15, 2012 Comments

It’s Friday and there’s lots of news going on out there about postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, postpartum OCD and postpartum PTSD, so let’s do a news roundup, shall we?

1.. Postpartum Psychosis Can Be Prevented in High Risk Women - This story from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health reports on research finding that women with previous psychotic episodes or bipolar disorder who are treated either during pregnancy or after birth (depending on which illness they have) helped to prevent them from getting postpartum psychosis. That is fantastic news.

2. Postpartum PTSD More Common Than You Think — Another story from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health reports on a study about the prevalence and risk factors for postpartum PTSD. I find it interesting that, as author Ruta Nonacs MD writes, “… infertility leads to a ten-fold increase in risk for postpartum PTSD.” This is important for women who are pregnant post infertility treatment to know.

3. CBT Can Help Prevent Postpartum OCD — OK, yes, I know, another one from MGH. I’m trying to catch up. This is in reaction to a piece in Forbes on how women who had anxiety during pregnancy and went through a program of OCD symptom awareness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were less likely to suffer postpartum OCD. More great news. [Read more...]

June 15, 2012 11:32 am Filed Under: Postpartum Depression Research, Postpartum OCD, Postpartum Psychosis, Postpartum PTSD

Childbirth Outcomes and Postpartum Depression: Are They Linked?

By Kate Kripke June 14, 2012 Comments

So many of you have asked about birth plans, your childbirth experience and postpartum depression, that I asked our fabulous Kate Kripke to write about how these things may or may not impact PPD or postpartum PTSD.

Oh, the pressure around childbirth! Do we try for a natural, unmedicated birth or do we choose an epidural to relieve our pain when delivering our little ones? Do we hire a doula to support us through our childbirth journey or do we rely on our doctor and nurses to support us throughout? Do we choose to give birth in the comfort of our home with a trained home birth midwife, or do we plan to labor and deliver in a hospital surrounded by doctors and the option for pain medication? Do we choose to attempt a VBAC or plan a second C-Section? Do we lean towards waiting for natural contractions to begin, or do we get induced and, with that, have a clear idea of when that little face will enter this world? Do we go forward towards childbirth with a birth plan, or do we enter the experience with an ease and flexibility about what the ultimate experience entails? These decisions can be endless, and I think it is fair to say that there is expectation, judgment, and pressure that come at us from every direction as we muddle through this laundry list of “choices.” [Read more...]

June 14, 2012 11:07 am Filed Under: Postpartum Depression, Postpartum PTSD

Why Moms With Postpartum Anxiety or PTSD Are Often Missed

By Katherine Stone May 24, 2012 Comments

Warrior Mom Alyssa R. reached out to share her story of why no one believed she was suffering when she had postpartum anxiety and postpartum PTSD. It’s a common problem, since most of us who’ve had it (including me) take a look at the short lists of postpartum depression symptoms most websites and books provide and quickly conclude we don’t have PPD, so nothing must be wrong. Alyssa had a strong bond with her baby, so she was very confused by the symptoms she was experiencing.

Hiding in the quiet of a dark room, alone, I brought up a Google search. I typed in, “signs of postpartum depression.” The list read, “…insomnia, intense irritability and anger, overwhelming fatigue, lack of joy in life, feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy, severe mood swings, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family and friends, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby … it’s important to call your doctor if the signs and symptoms of depression: make it hard for you to care for your baby, make it hard to complete everyday tasks, include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.”

I hastily clicked the red x, my mind already made up. I mistakenly assumed that because my symptoms didn’t look like that list, nothing was wrong. My symptoms were not there. Not the big ones—the anxiety, the compulsion, the flashbacks.

It was easy to believe it. The bond I shared with my baby was strong, unbreakable even. I’d never dream of hurting her. I loved every second I spent with her, and loved my life overall. My house was clean, dinners were cooked. I was showered and put together. I enjoyed being a mother. I was more sociable than ever in my life!

As time passed, and my intrusive thoughts didn’t fade, I used her. I used my baby. My husband, or friends, would ask if everything was ok. I would reply, “Our relationship is so strong. I don’t melt down when she cries. I love to be with her and can care for her easily! Clearly there’s nothing wrong.” [Read more...]

May 24, 2012 9:02 am Filed Under: Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum PTSD