Postpartum depression after childbirth

Dear Patient: Good morning. Usually postpartum blues will subside within a week or ten days after delivery. But your symptoms have lasted for about 50 days without showing signs of improvement. You are probably suffering from postpartum depression.

Not taking treatment is going to affect your ability to take care of your child. Your sudden anger and mood changes may distance you from your supportive family members.

Consult a psychiatrist and consider taking antidepressant medications which will help you and your baby.

You can avoid breastfeeding for four hours after taking the medication so that your baby will not be affected by the antidepressant.

Usually your doctor will ask you take medications for about six months and then reduce and stop them.

Do follow the advice of a good psychiatrist and discuss with him/her about your concerns.

This question has been answered by

Dr. Parthasarathy

Psychiatrist

MBBS,MD(JIPMER)