About the Authors

 Mandy and Tricia are both Seniors at the Brigham Young University of Idaho in the Marriage and Family Studies major. They are currently enrolled in the Family Practicum 445 course. This blog is their course project that needed to be under the umbrella of Family Life Education (FLE). They picked the topic of postpartum depression and understand it to be a serious topic that needs attention. Both Mandy and Tricia are mothers and have experience with postpartum depression either with themselves or someone they know. 

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Lesson 3 - Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression

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Lesson 2 Review        In Lesson Two we discussed the symptoms in each type of PPD (“baby blues”, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis). One thing we know for sure is that it can affect any mother within any race or socioeconomic status. Knowing the symptoms and when they start is important so try to keep track in a mood journal, it will be helpful if you need to see your doctor.       Lesson Three will focus on the risk factors, some of which include biological, psychological, social, and lifestyle. Scientists are continuing to study the risk factors and narrow down the research. For now, we have compiled a list of some of the more common risks.  Comics on postpartum depression   (Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/comics-struggle-post-partum-depression_n_5a0db5b4b0c0b2f2f85fab Retrieved 2/17/2021)       The comics above portray some of the feelings and thoughts new mothers experience after the birth of their baby. If you enjoyed the comics above, many other comics an
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Lesson 5 - Seeking Help

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Introduction Lesson four discussed some coping skills mothers can do at home to lessen the severity of PPD symptoms, but what if those techniques do not work? In this lesson, we highlight two other ways a mother can receive the help she needs; medication and therapy. Deciding on which direction is best for you will be up to you and your health care provider. There is no shame in getting yourself mentally healthy. Source: https://www.invitra.com/en/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-treatment/ When to Seek Help Sometimes knowing when to seek help can be scary and hard to determine. The Mayo Clinic (2018) put together a list that helps determine when you should contact your healthcare provider: What you’re feeling hasn’t faded after two weeks Your symptoms are getting worse It is hard to care for your baby Everyday tasks are hard to do You have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby You do not need to have all of these or even more than one in order to contact your physi
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Lesson 2 - Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

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Mandy’s Story       When I had my first child, friends and family would discuss how wonderful and joyful it was to have a baby. This was always discussed with the disclaimer that it is normal to experience hormonal changes. I knew postpartum depression was a possibility, but I didn't know what was considered "normal" hormonal changes and what would be considered postpartum depression. During my son's first months I would constantly find myself sitting up in the middle of the night, not being able to sleep, even though I was exhausted, and just crying. The first time it happened, it woke my husband up and he asked what was wrong, but I couldn’t explain it to him because I didn’t know. He shrugged it off and thought it was just the "normal" after delivery hormonal changes. I didn't feel like myself, but I kept telling myself it was normal. I kept waiting for the joy that was supposed to come with the baby, but I didn't feel joy. I felt guilty, so I nev
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