Acronym Definitions

CD—Certified Doula

CBE—Certified Breastfeeding Educator

CLE—Certified Lactation Educator

DONA—Doulas of North America

ECE—Early Childhood Education

IBCLC—International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

MSW—Clinical Social Worker

PCD—Certified Postpartum Doula

Is the baby moon sliding into the baby blues?

You are not alone. You are not to blame. We are here to help. If you or someone you know might be experiencing symptoms of prenatal or postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, know that it is treatable and you have taken a very important first step. There is someone in your area who can help you if you are experiencing any of the following: depressed, irritable, exhausted, unlike yourself, sadness, anger, guilt, worry, feelings of inadequacy.  *This statement was adapted from postpartum.net.

The following is not meant to be a diagnostic tool, but rather a way for new mothers and their support persons to recognize their feelings and to be empowered to take action if they need help. 

BABY BLUES

• Typically starts a few days after birth, lasting 2 weeks or less.
  
• Does not always require treatment from a health care provider.
  
• Often joining a support group of new moms helps.
  

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

• Can happen a few days to months after birth.
  
• May experience feelings of restless, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, depression, excessive crying, no energy, headaches, chest pains, trouble sleeping, weight flux, trouble focusing, decision making, overly worrying about baby, lack of interest in infant, being afraid of hurting baby or self.
  
• When a woman’s ability to function is affected, she needs to seek help.
  

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Many women are wrongly diagnosed with PPD.
  
• Medications for PPD will not work for PTSD.
  
• May experience symptoms of PPD plus flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, numbed emotions, sleeping difficulties, problems with concentration, irritability or anger.
  
• When a woman’s ability to function is affected, she needs to seek help.
  

Postpartum Psychosis

• Very serious mental illness.
  
• Can happen quickly, often within 3 months of birth.
  
• Woman can loose touch with reality, experience auditory hallucinations & delusions, insomnia, feeling agitated and angry, strange feelings and behaviors.
  
• Women who have postpartum psychosis require someone else to seek the treatment they need right away.