Postpartum depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a group of symptoms that can negatively affect the mother once her baby is born. These symptoms change her mood, behaviour and outlook.
In the first few days after giving birth, up to 80% of new mothers experience tearfulness and feelings of distress. This is commonly called the baby blues.
The baby blues can leave you feeling restless, tearful, tired, discouraged, unhappy, and helpless. Your moods may suddenly swing from feeling happy, chatty, and energetic to being sad and irritable. These mood changes can be due to a number of factors, such as the quick drop of your hormone levels after birth or pain and tiredness from your labour and delivery. They can also stem from looking after your baby for 24 hours a day and not getting enough sleep. Most of the time these baby blues are temporary, disappearing after one or two weeks. However, some women will go on to have a more serious condition called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is treatable and should be addressed as early as possible.
There are several resources available and support groups to help you and your family cope with postpartum depression. BC Women’s Hospital, Reproductive Mental Health Services helps people and their families who are dealing with mental health challenges and disorders before, during, and after pregnancy and birth.
Visit Healthy Families BC – Coping with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, or to identify signs and symptoms of PPD.. To learn more see:, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre – Self-care Program for Women with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. Here you will find a self-management guide: that you can download.
You may also contact the Pacific Postpartum Support Society toll-free at 1-855-255-7999 or at 604-255-7999 in the lower mainland Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Support Society is also available by text at 604-256-8088 Wednesday to Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visit Pacific Postpartum Support Society for additional information.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases.
BC Women’s hospital and health centre has educational information and tips for breastfeeding your baby: http://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/pregnancy-parenting/breastfeeding-your-baby
Lions Gate Maternity Clinic has a team of female physicians committed to providing high quality, safe, and compassionate care to you and your baby. provides maternal and newborn care for newborns up to 6 weeks of age, for patients whose family doctors no longer provide perinatal care. As you and baby adjust to the first 4-6 weeks postpartum, the clinic continues to support you.
Below is a list of common issues you might seek assistance with:
● breastfeeding
● monitoring baby’s growth & development
● healing after delivery
● mental health concerns
● contraception/birth control
See: https://lgmc.ca/
Breastfeeding medicine clinic is staffed by a physician who is also a certified lactation consultant. The clinic provides breastfeeding support, including procedures and medications. Doctors referral is needed. https://www.providencehealthcare.org/breastfeeding-medicine-clinic