While this is not a common issue I hear raised for abortion, I do sometimes hear mothers report that they are concerned about having Postpartum Depression (PPD) since they have had it in previous pregnancies. It behooves us as sidewalk counselors to know how to respond to women who voice this concern. Not long ago, one of our national missionaries called me to ask how to respond to an abortion-determined mother who listed prior PPD as the impetus to abort. We should be familiar with this condition, treatments and spiritual encouragement should we face this situation while counseling vulnerable mothers.
Definition of PPD
The Mayo Clinic defines PPD as follows: Most new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.
But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.
This article makes it clear that there is treatment for PPD and, the sooner it is identified, the sooner and more effective treatment can be. There are many signs for PPD, which should NOT be confused with “baby blues.” Those signs and distinguishing characteristics are listed below.
‘Baby Blues’ Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Crying
- Reduced concentration
- Appetite problems
- Trouble sleeping
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with the ability of a mom to care for her baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier (during pregnancy) or later (up to a year after birth).
Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Intense irritability and anger
- Fear that you’re not a good mother
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months (or longer)
Risk Factors
Major risk factors for developing PPD are listed below. It is critical for us to know that unplanned pregnancy IS a risk factor. Also, if women have had PPD with prior pregnancies, the risk for PPD in subsequent pregnancies increases.
- history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times
- bipolar disorder
- postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
- family members who’ve had depression or other mood disorders
- stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, illness or job loss
- baby has health problems or other special needs
- twins, triplets or other multiple births
- difficulty breast-feeding
- problems in relationship with spouse or significant other
- weak support system
- financial problems
- pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
Treatment and Prevention
A history of depression — especially postpartum depression —is a risk factor and the woman’s doctor should be made aware of it. The following suggestions on helping a woman at risk for PPD are important to know. It is very important to know PPD is not a CERTAINTY despite risk factors, but abortion WILL for certain kill an innocent human being.
During Pregnancy
The doctor can monitor for signs and symptoms of depression. A depression-screening questionnaire during pregnancy and after delivery can identify the severity or presence of PPD. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies. In other cases, antidepressants may be recommended — even during pregnancy. It is very important to know there are treatments available! These treatments are effective in treating the depression and safe during pregnancy.
Left untreated, PPD can set the woman up for severe depressive disorder. It is critical that PPD be treated, not that the baby be exterminated!
After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier it’s detected, the earlier treatment can begin. If a mother has a history of postpartum depression, her doctor may recommend antidepressant treatment or psychotherapy immediately after delivery.
A Prolife Doctor’s Input on PPD
Dr. Matt Harrison, the doctor who pioneered abortion pill reversal, talked with me recently about PPD and important things for sidewalk volunteers to know. He reminded me that PPD CAN be treated safely and effectively with good medications available. The woman requires a lot of support if she is struggling with PPD. It is NOT a certainty she will have PPD in subsequent pregnancies. On the other hand, Post-Abortion Traumatic Syndrome is a real and serious issue. It is important to focus on preventing that!
What Should We Do as Sidewalk Counselors?
- It is important not to minimize this issue.
- Ask if the doctor knows she is pregnant and worried about PPD.
- Recommend a second opinion for treatment if the doctor has recommended abortion.
- Reiterate there IS treatment available.
- Offer to have her speak immediately with a prolife OB/GYN or high-risk doctor.
- Remind her PPD is temporary (and treatable), but taking the child’s life is permanent. If someone tends toward depression, abortion may very well exacerbate depression (post-abortive depression is real!).
- Offer spiritual guidance/discipleship.
- If you have the resource of free or low-cost counseling in your area, remind the mom you can offer that immediately.
- Be aware that PPD is a real and serious issue, and follow up with a mentor who is aware of what to look for is important, especially in the first few weeks following the baby’s birth.
- Mentorship program with mentor willing to help at a greater level than usual could be crucial for a mom with PPD — this may require more than one mentor if possible, depending on woman’s support system.
- Keep pointing her to focus on God, but do not make the mistake of treating this as a spiritual (only) rather than medical issue.
Biblical Assurances to Help Her Have God-Centered Outlook
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-18).
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:7-8)
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4)
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad (Proverbs 12:25).
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).
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