I too experienced a postpartum reaction after the birth of my first
child which thankfully was only bad for the first 4- 6 weeks. I had a
post partum Anxiety reaction.  I had a horrid c/s experience.  The only
thing that went well after my c/s was breastfeeding.  I literally needed
to pick the baby up and nurse him for the hormone rush to stay calm.

It wasn't until a few years later and reading The Postpartum Survival
Guide that I was really able to understand my response.  Even as an L &
D nurse I didn't realize the different ways PPD could manifest. I
believed the misnomer that PPD meant sad and depressed.  I didn't feel
"depressed".

Now as Public Health Nurse and LC, I spend time in prenatal class, and
individually with each new mum, going over the signs and symptoms of
PPD.  I discuss factors that can make PPD more likely but let them know
that anyone can get it.  I discuss the importance of being nurtured in
the pp period, getting lots of help and support, spending time exploring
their feelings if delivery isn't what they expected and keeping
communication going between mum and dad.  I also go over where to get
help if they feel overwhelmed.

Janet Vandenberg RN, BScN, IBCLC
Public Health Nurse
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

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