Dear Friend,

It's been a big month here at Women's Health America with the addition of three new members to the WHA family. Maebelle on July 20, Samantha on August 18, and Lincoln on August 24 were born to our staff members. New moms and babies all are happy and healthy with lots of love and support from family and friends.

Baby Blues. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with a new birth. In fact, 70 to 80 percent of new mothers experience what is termed "baby blues" shortly after giving birth, with symptoms including depression, anxiety, anger, crying for no reason, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances.

These feelings, which can last a day or a week or two, are primarily attributed to extreme changes in hormone levels. As part of the birthing process, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply in a new mother's body. These changes are thought to trigger baby blues in the same way smaller changes in hormone levels can trigger mood swings and tension before menstrual periods. Thyroid levels may also drop dramatically after childbirth, resulting in similar symptoms.

In addition to physiological changes, expectations about being the "perfect" mother, relationship and lifestyle changes after the child is born, the baby's health, and the level of support from family and friends can also add to the new mom's temporary blues.

Postpartum Depression. Continued trouble coping or mood disorders that limit day-to-day functions may be signs of more severe postpartum depression (PPD) that deserves immediate attention from a healthcare provider. Dr. Shoshana Bennett reports approximately 15-20 percent of women experience this type of serious depression after giving birth.

More than just blues, other signs of PPD include:

• Excessive sleep or insomnia
• Exhaustion
• Feelings of guilt, despair or worthlessness
• Not eating or overeating
• Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
• Inability to concentrate and forgetfulness
• No interest in activities including sex.

Self-Care is Essential. Self-care and the support of her partner, family, and friends are very important for helping a new mother get through this challenging time. It is important that she:

• Talks to her healthcare provider about how she feels.
• Gets rest - napping when the baby naps.
• Takes time for herself - exercises, eats right, and takes breaks.
• Gets support from her partner, family, friends, and other new mothers.
• Realizes these feelings do not indicate she is a bad person or inadequate mother.
• Doesn't try to do everything and asks for help with chores and nighttime feedings.
• Spends time alone with her partner.
• Gets out of the house for short errands or walks.

The new mom may also benefit from taking a vitamin/mineral supplement like our ProCycle^® PMS Formula with vitamin B complex known to help with stress and moodiness. Natural Progesterone Cream is another self-care option to consider.

Treatment. The important thing to remember is that severe symptoms are temporary and treatable. Traditional treatment options for PPD include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and even birth control pills, although these may not be an option if breast-feeding. Other important options include psychiatric therapy and support groups.

Progesterone Therapy. Because PPD is often related to a sharp drop in progesterone levels after delivery, many practitioners consider prescribing natural progesterone to help return new mothers, even those breast-feeding, to symptom-free, healthy lives with their new babies and families. The pharmacists at Women's Health America and Madison Pharmacy Associates work with many healthcare providers to determine appropriate dosing protocols for attaining hormone levels within the therapeutic range. Micronized natural Progesterone Even Release Tablets combine the slow, even release of medication with the convenience of dosing once or twice daily. This even release of medication helps to avoid the peaks and valleys of traditional oral dosing and maintain more constant hormone levels. Available by prescription from Madison Pharmacy Associates.

Women with severe PPD may find that, when menstrual cycles return, their PPD symptoms turn into cyclic PMS symptoms. For these women, ongoing progesterone therapy during two weeks of each cycle may be appropriate.

Most importantly, new mothers need to know that they are not alone.
Support is available from partners, family, friends, healthcare providers, and organizations like Depression After Delivery and Postpartum Support International. You just have to ask.