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Symptoms
A
mother may show, express, or experience:-
Lethargy |
Lack of confidence in her ability as
a mum |
|
Tearfulness |
No enjoyment of motherhood |
|
Anxiety |
Fear of harming herself or her baby |
|
Guilt |
Loss of libido |
|
Irritability |
Loss of appetite |
|
Confusion |
Hostility or indifference to people
she normally loves |
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Disturbed sleep |
Difficulty in concentrating |
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Excessive exhaustion |
Shame at being unable to be happy |
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Difficulties making decisions |
Fear of judgment |
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Loss of self-esteem |
Helplessness |
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It
is important to note that all new mothers
feel tired and lacking in sleep, confidence,
and energy. A postnatally depressed woman
will have predominately negative feelings.
This can also apply to partners.
Mothers
who have the baby-blues (3-4 days after
the birth) sometimes develop postnatal depression,
but this is not always the case. Baby-blues
or 3/4th day blues happens immediately after
pregnancy and is accompanied by tearfulness
and coming down to earth with a bump! Normal
family/maternity support is adequate.
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