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On this page you will find an overview of postnatal illness and links online documents about it on the MAMA website. We also have a forum where registered users can post specific questions or start threads, but do check these pages first.
Some of the online documents are quite long and best printed out. They are therefore presented in a printer friendly format and to return to this page you need to click the back button on the browser toolbar
Online Documents about Postnatal Illness
Many mothers experience changes in mood after having a baby. For some this will be the adjustment both physically and mentally to giving birth. For others it may indicate that they are experiencing postnatal illness (PNI).
| If you have recently had a baby and you are experiencing a variety of confusing emotions - sudden changes in mood, despondency, panic attacks - at a time when people say you are meant to be feeling wonderful, it may be that you are suffering from postnatal illness. |
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The term postnatal illness (PNI) is used here to describe a range of different conditions from which women may suffer after childbirth. The most common, which is known as the baby blues, is a short-lived period of mild depression. The next is postnatal depression, which is a more serious and prolonged depressive illness; the main symptom of which may be severe anxiety rather than depression. The rarest and most severe form of postnatal illness is puerperal (postpartum) psychosis.
An estimated 50 - 80% of newly delivered mothers experience the 'baby blues' a few days after the birth. Fortunately the feelings are usually short lived. For some women, however, the sadness, tears and irritability becomes worse and may indicate the beginning of postnatal depression.
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Although postnatal depression often follows on from the blues it can also start some months after the birth. It is a very distressing illness with a wide range of symptoms which include anxiety, loss of concentration, or inappropriate thoughts, depression and extreme mood swings. Women with postnatal depression do get better. It is important that any mother who thinks she may be suffering consults her doctor or other health professional for assessment and help. |
It is also important that a mother and her partner have someone with whom they can talk openly about their feelings. Mothers with PNI find it helpful to talk to other women who have suffered and recovered. MAMA can help. We offer support through our groups and one-to-one supporters.
MAMA also offers a telephone helpline for postnatal depression, which is staffed from 7-10pm Monday-Friday by our team of well-trained volunteers. If you need a friendly voice to talk to - give us a call! We are not here to judge - simply to help. For more information follow the telephone Helpline link.
Puerperal psychosis is a very severe mental illness, characterised by delusions, hallucinations and severe mood swings. Fortunately, it is both rare and treatable.
This and the following pages are intended to give an overview of PNI and information about the condition, symptoms, possible causes, treatments and self-help measures. It is not intended to give a diagnosis or to replace the role of GP/Health Visitor. If you are feeling unwell or finding it difficult to cope after childbirth you should always seek medical assistance. The sooner the illness is recognised and treated, the sooner recovery can begin. Many women, their families and friends suffer prolonged, needless distress simply because the condition is not recognised and women are not given the help they require.
For more information on various aspects of PNI please click on the links below and use the browser Back button to return to this page:
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