Could You Have Antepartum or Postpartum Depression?

"Antepartum depression" (APD) is commonly used to describe a variety of emotional and behavioral disorders that occur during pregnancy.  "Postpartum depression" (PPD) is commonly used to describe a variety of disorders that may occur within the first year after pregnancy.

Some symptoms of these disorders include:

• sadness

• crying

• irritability

• anger

• anxiety

• panic

• fatigue

• insomnia

• feeling emotionally numb

• excessive worry (sometimes about your child)

• despair

• feeling overwhelmed

• guilt

• feeling inadequate

• difficulty concentrating

• changes in appetite

• repetitive thoughts (sometimes about hurting your child)

• mood swings

• thoughts of suicide or running away

Families and Professionals Need More Information

Most women's doctors are not trained to recognize or treat the symptoms of postpartum depression.  Childbirth classes and  books barely mention it.  Husbands and family members have few resources for understanding or supporting the mother or themselves!    Baby Blues Connection strives to make more information available to pregnant women, new mothers, and families as well as professionals.  We also strive to increase community awareness about these disorders by offering information and training to treatment providers.
Learn more about APD and PPD.

Contact our 24/7 Phone Line

• Oregon: 503-797-2843
• Washington: 360-735-5571

Moms Need Help

A mother may experience an array of confusing and frightening symptoms for which she is completely unprepared.  She my find herself unable to sleep or eat, be subject to sudden panic attacks, or feel nothing toward the baby she had expected to enjoy.  Often, mothers feel inadequate and guilty, afraid to admit their feelings, especially in an age where women are expected to be "super moms".  This inability to ask for help only leads to further isolation and a deepening of their depression.  Not only is it ok to ask for help, it is necessary.
Learn how you can help a mom in need.

We Help Moms to...

• Talk to an understanding person who has gone through APD and PPD by calling our 24 - hour message line.

• Meet and share with other moms who are dealing with the same scary emotions and frustrations at our mom to mom support groups.

• Learn more about antepartum and postpartum disorders.

• Find out where to go for additional help and professional treatment services.