HW 41 - Independent Research

THE FIRST HOUR AFTER BIRTH

1) DEPRESSION DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY
- When you are pregnant or after you have a baby, you may be depressed and not know it. Some normal changes during and after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. But if you have any of the following symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor:

• Feeling restless or moody
• Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
• Crying a lot
• Having no energy or motivation
• Eating too little or too much
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Having trouble focusing or making decisions
• Having memory problems
• Feeling worthless and guilty
• Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don’t go away

- I asked my mom dis she hae any of these symoptoms of depression and she said, "I didn't feel any of these symptoms, I was too busy to feel this way"!
 

"Depression During and After Pregnancy." http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm. N.p., March 6, 2009.. Web. 2 Apr 2011. <March 6, 2009.>.

2) WHAT IS DEPRESSION AFTER PREGNANCY?
- Depression after pregnancy refers to the negative thinking and feelings of despondency that many women experience after the birth of a child. In addition to the sad, lifeless feelings that accompany any depression, women who suffer from depression after pregnancy often fear that their baby will somehow be harmed and may worry that they are "bad" mothers.

3) Women can suffer from depression after giving birh.  This is called Postpartum Depression where these mothers find it very difficult to take care of their children, to take care of themselves and to take care of other responsibilities.  They can become very emotional at times and also, not feel like doing anything at times. Medical Science is not 100 percent sure what causes Postpartum Depression.  Their is a belief that it is caused from an immediate chnage in a women's hormone level after she gives birth.
  
    This depression can be very dangerous for a women and her child.  It can start right after child birth and can become severe after 2 weeks.  Support groups or counseling have helped women overcome this depression