General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
After a birth, mood can change and parents may feel overwhelmed. The baby blues often appears in the first days and is temporary.
If sadness or anxiety is intense, you feel unable to cope, or symptoms last beyond two weeks, speak promptly with a doctor or midwife.
Depression after childbirth can involve exhaustion, guilt, loss of pleasure or difficulty bonding with the baby. These signs deserve assessment and support without judgement.
The early postnatal discussion with a midwife or doctor takes place between the fourth and eighth weeks. It is a chance to discuss your wellbeing and support needs; there is no need to wait for it to seek help.
A trusted person can take over for a while and accompany you to a professional, maternal and child health service or doctor. Care is adapted to your situation, including whether you wish to breastfeed.
If suicidal thoughts become overwhelming or action seems imminent, call 15 or 112 in France and stay with someone you trust. Significant confusion after birth also needs urgent psychiatric help.
Sources
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