Sam Boatman Of Fox 11 On Motherhood: Postpartum Blues Makes Her "Feeling Down And Feeling Inadequate"

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Most women, especially new moms, are talking about postpartum depression, however, not everyone is aware of its signs nor the treatments needed to survive this depressive condition. Often, it is referred as postpartum blues but unknown to many, these two are different.

Fox 11's Samantha Boatman shared her experience about motherhood and how she has dealt with postpartum blues. After experiencing several symptoms, she talked to her doctor and asked about the difference between postpartum blues and postpartum depression. "When I had Annabelle nine and a half months ago, I was on cloud nine. I also found myself a few days after her birth feeling scared, feeling down and feeling inadequate. My first thought was postpartum depression, but after talking to a few doctors, I realized I had the postpartum blues, something very common among new moms that usually happens a few days after delivery," Boatman said.

Her doctor, Myron Bethel M.D. of the Medical Director for Renown's Women Health says that when it occurs in a very short time, usually about two weeks after birth, it is distinguished as postpartum blues. It also has a different diagnosis compared to depression.

Postpartum blues happen when a massive drop in hormones occur while being overwhelmed about with a new life as a mom, however, if it continues after two weeks, then it may be considered as postpartum depression. According to Harvard Health Publications, some of its symptoms are irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, feeling overwhelmed, and being preoccupied with the child's feeding or health.

Fox 11 Reno reported that postpartum depression occurs after two weeks and the support system is not working for new moms, it's time to seek professional help. Trying to figure out the stressors and finding out what can be done to address it can help benefits the patient, however, it does not work, new moms are prescribed with medications. Some are even advised to do yoga and light therapy, while some just need the necessary support by listening to what is bothering her.