baby blues

THE women's health research charity WellBeing has published a leaflet to help women to cope with postnatal depression.

The charity, part of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says that 80 per cent of women experience some sort of postnatal depression.

Baby blues lasts for a few days, with symptoms such as weepiness, feeling emotional and upset, tension, anxiety, sleeplessness, extreme tiredness and mild depression. Plenty of rest and extra support at home can help. Puerperal psychosis, at the other end, can feature manic or depressive symptoms causing a woman to be unable to function properly, and hospitalisation may be necessary.

The leaflet is free. Send a SAE from: Wellbeing PD, 27, Sussex Place, London NW1 4SP