When your baby is born, you expect everything to be blissful and wonderful. But for 10 to 12 percent of new moms, postpartum depression can leave them feeling worthless, sad and alone.

Although many women will experience the baby blues for the first seven to 10 days after giving birth, postpartum depression is much more than that. Postpartum depression can occur any time in the first year after giving birth and lasts for two weeks or more. Symptoms include constant feelings of sadness, irritability, loss of interest in things, worthlessness, difficulty concentrating and low energy. At its worst, a woman may have thoughts about harming herself or her baby. The following are some guidelines to help you beat postpartum depression:

• If you have experienced episodes of depression before, recognize that you are at greater risk for postpartum depression. Make an appointment with your care provider to discuss what you need to do to help avoid it.
• Make sure you have a good support system following the birth of your baby, whether it’s family, friends or even local new mom support groups or mother’s day out programs. It’s important to know that you have help and support in taking care of your new little one.
• Take time to take care of yourself. Go out with friends, exercise 20 minutes daily and eat right. Remember, if you feel happy and healthy, your baby will be happier and healthier.
• Whether or not you are at risk for postpartum depression, if you find yourself feeling depressed for more than two weeks either during pregnancy or after the birth of your baby, call your doctor. A program of therapy and/or medication can help.
• Don’t ignore the symptoms. They will not just go away. By seeking help, you could save yourself and your family from months of unhappiness and depression.

Those first few months with your new baby are precious. Don’t allow a treatable illness to overshadow them. If you are experiencing a problem and think you may have postpartum depression, contact your care provider or call the MCG Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at 706-721-CARE.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, and employees of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation, not employees of MCG Health, Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.