Protecting Your Mental Health (Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression)

Published: June 4, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

As soon as most expecting mothers hear the words postpartum depression, they tune out and skip over this topic. If you have never experienced depression, it is the last thing you think you need to know about, especially at a time in your life when you expect to be the happiest. Baby blues and postpartum depression are a complication of birth. The baby blues are estimated to occur in about 50% or more of women. Some studies show an even higher prevalence at nearly 80%. One in seven mothers will experience postpartum depression, and 40% of those mothers will have onset after birth. Over the last few decades, research shows that the number of new moms experiencing postpartum depression is increasing. This episode/article covers the symptoms of the baby blues and postpartum depression, how to get help, and how to protect your mental health postpartum. \xa0 Thank you to our sponsors \xa0 20% off\xa0Mommy Steps\xa0or\xa0Form\xa0insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size. \xa0 Did you know that your health insurance will cover the cost of a breast pump? It\u2019s true! In fact, many health insurance plans also cover milk storage bags, breastfeeding prep courses, and more. At\xa0Aeroflow Breastpumps,\xa0you can shop top-rated breast pumps from brands like Medela, Spectra, and Motif without ever opening your wallet. Fill out their quick and easy insurance eligibility form, and they\u2019ll take care of the rest! It might just be the easiest thing you do this pregnancy. \xa0 30% off your first\xa0Hungryroot\xa0delivery and free veggies for life. Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They\u2019ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. \xa0 Read the\xa0full article and resources\xa0that accompany this episode. \xa0 Join\xa0Pregnancy Podcast Premium\xa0to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. \xa0 Check out the\xa040 Weeks podcast\xa0to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. \xa0 For more evidence-based information, visit the\xa0Pregnancy Podcast website.