Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Postnatal depression

Depression after giving birth causes persistent low mood, anxiety, emptiness or loss of enjoyment and can make caring for yourself and your baby difficult. It is treatable and does not mean you are a bad parent. Confusion, delusions, mania or danger to the parent or baby is an immediate emergency.

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  • Depressive symptoms may develop during pregnancy or in the months after birth.
  • This is not a lack of love or effort; physical, hormonal, psychological and social factors act together.
  • The baby blues usually pass within days; persistent or severe symptoms need medical assessment.
  • Treatment supports both parent and baby and can usually be adapted to breastfeeding.
  • Confusion, delusions or mania require immediate medical assessment; for immediate danger or if safe transport is not possible, call 912.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
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Recovery after childbirthAfter birth, your body and emotions need time to recover, and the baby needs regular care and checks. Bleeding, cramps, tiredness and mood changes may be normal, but some signs need prompt help.
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Seasonal affective disorderSeasonal affective disorder is recurrent depression that starts in a particular season and then lifts, usually during months with less daylight. In Curaçao, this pattern is less clear-cut; have low mood, excessive sleep, loss of enjoyment or suicidal thoughts assessed and other causes ruled out.
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Low moodLow mood sometimes accompanies setbacks or loss, but persistent low mood that affects functioning may indicate depression or a physical condition. Suicidal thoughts always need immediate, serious attention.