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What is postnatal depression?
Having a baby turns everything upside down. Your life – and your body – change overnight. It is normal to experience the ‘baby blues’ after giving birth – mood swings, bursting into tears, irritability, anxiety and sleeping problems are common in the days following childbirth. These symptoms are simply your body’s reaction to the hormone fluctuations caused by pregnancy and the huge change that has taken place in your life.
Usually, the baby blues pass without the need for treatment. However, the symptoms can sometimes last for longer. You might have expected to feel wonderful after giving birth, but instead you may find that you feel dejected, powerless, irritable, anxious and insecure. You may also feel that you are not enjoying motherhood, which in turn can lead to feelings of guilt. If you have recently given birth and are suffering from these symptoms, you may have postnatal depression, also sometimes referred to as postpartum depression.
Do I have postnatal depression?
At least 50 – 80% of women who give birth will experience ‘baby blues’. These feelings usually occur between three and ten days after giving birth, and the symptoms normally disappear by themselves, without the need for treatment. But if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and become more severe, you may be suffering from postnatal depression.
The main symptoms of postnatal depression are a persistent feeling of sadness, irritability and listlessness, sleeping problems and an inability to enjoy motherhood and your baby. You may also find it difficult to perform daily tasks and to look after your baby.
Sometimes the symptoms appear later on – a few weeks after giving birth or when you stop breastfeeding or return to work. Around 10 to 15% of women who give birth experience postnatal depression – you are not alone.
Some of our certifiedPsychologists
Carlos Hoogenboom
Healthcare psychologist
Milou Groenewoud
Online psychologist
Zoila Knel
Healthcare psychologist
Sam Saxton
Online psychologist
What to expect?
An 8- to 16-week
programme tailored
to your needs
Based on
scientific theories
In-depth
discussions with a
healthcare psychologist
Personal online
coaching from a
psychologist
What can you do?
Postnatal depression does not usually go away by itself. However, treatment is very effective. With the right psychological support and – if necessary – medication, you will quickly see an improvement. If you recognise the symptoms described above, we recommend that you contact your doctor or get in touch with one of our psychologists directly. We have also made a list of things you can do right now to help:
Talk to other people about your feelings and your fears. Do not feel ashamed – plenty of new mothers experience what you are going through.
Make sure that you eat a healthy, varied diet – this helps to ensure that your body is getting all the vitamins it needs.
Make sure that you get enough rest. Make a schedule for visitors and postpone any other big changes in your life for the time being.
Make time for yourself. Let your partner take care of the baby while you do an activity you enjoy.
Be kind to yourself. It is perfectly normal to make mistakes as a mother – this is a learning process.
Even if you are feeling low, try to plan a small activity or meet up with a friend each day.
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Peter-Paul, Dec 2019
"Pleasant and personal approach, professional and to the point. Good combination of face to face appointments and online follow-up / reminders to remain engaged in the process.”
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"I had 100% trust in my psychologists because of their kindness, empathy and professionalism. I felt they really cared about me. They did everything they could to help me move forward.”
Anonymous, Nov 2019
Take a look at our ratings on ZorgKaartNederland (9+)
Would you rather have the support of a professional?
Contact one of our psychologists today without obligation. You can talk about your feelings and symptoms and get information about a suitable treatment programme for you.