Question 1

after what length of time from having a baby are you safe from potentially getting postpartum depression? 6 mos? 1yr?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum depressio: This can start as early as 6 weeks to as late as 6 months. In a study by robertson et al 2003 they found that the strongest predictors of postpartum depression were depression during pregnancy, anxiety during pregnancy, experiencing stressful life events during pregnancy or the early puerperium, low levels of social support, and a previous history of depression. We can determine risk knowning this.

Question 2

should the lexapro (escitalopram) have prevented me from experiencing postpartum depression this time?

Accepted Answer

No guarantee: Dosage and individual characteristics determine success. Talk to your doctor.

Question 3

can there be any research on the long term effects of postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Yes, not inviting.: Three forms of post partum depression: first, new baby blues that  will last up to ten days.  The other two are more serious prolonged, painful illnesses that can  cause severe impairment, suffering,  may even pose danger for mother and child.   They  require  medical attention.  After recovery, the long term risk for  another episode of depression is doubled or  worse.  Early treatment is better!

Question 4

how to help my wife with postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Find a therapist.: In addition to being supportive and listening to your wife, it is important to get her help from a professional.  Postpartum depression can last for years if left untreated and can become quite severe.  Find a therapist that is experienced or ask your or her doctor for a referral.

Question 5

how does postpartum depression affect my family?

Accepted Answer

Adds More Stress: Any illness puts a stress on a family balance. Having a baby puts a stress on a family as well (even if it's a positive stress). Every family deals differently with stress and any particular action by the family will be dependent on how family deals with stress during "bad" times. If you feel, you have post-partum depression, get evaluated, get treatment for your sake and sake of your child.

Question 6

how do i know if i am at risk for postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors: Some risk factors would be history of depression in the past.  Not having a supportive partner or family.

Question 7

what should i do for my friend with postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Support her: Support your friend by being present and willing to hear her feelings.  Help with the infant, if appropriate.  Encourage & help your friend to get professional care for her depression. Medicines (some are safe in breastfeeding) and talk therapy may help her. Help her reach out to others, like extended family who may not know what she needs.  For education: http://tinyurl.Com/7onlu98.

Question 8

can postpartum depression cause women to feel changing emotions?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Post partum depression is often accompanied by anxiety. Anxiety over germ phobia, responsibilities of becoming a parent worrying about the child's health.Paranoid thoughts and delusions occur infrequently and require urgent care.

Question 9

could i be suffering from postpartum depression? how can i tell?

Accepted Answer

Not the baby blues: Postpartum depression develops 1 - 6 months after the birth of your baby.  Symptoms last at least 2 weeks that include feeling depressed with at least 4 of the following: poor sleep, low energy, poor concentration, changes in appetite, feelings of excessive guilt, lack of enjoyment, moving slower of faster than normal, or suicidal thoughts.  If you have any of these, seek professional assistance.

Question 10

could i have the postpartum depression five months after my delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Post-partum depression can occur up to a year after delivery.  Please do not hesitate to talk to your ob/gyn or primary care doctor if you think that symptoms of depression are starting to affect your health and well-being.

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Doctor answers about:

Postpartum depression time frame

A member asked:

After what length of time from having a baby are you safe from potentially getting postpartum depression? 6 mos? 1yr?

A member asked:

Should the lexapro (escitalopram) have prevented me from experiencing postpartum depression this time?

A member asked:

Can there be any research on the long term effects of postpartum depression?

A member asked:

How to help my wife with postpartum depression?

A member asked:

How does postpartum depression affect my family?

A member asked:

How do i know if i am at risk for postpartum depression?

A member asked:

What should i do for my friend with postpartum depression?

A member asked:

Can postpartum depression cause women to feel changing emotions?

A member asked:

Could i be suffering from postpartum depression? how can i tell?

A member asked:

Could i have the postpartum depression five months after my delivery?

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