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Beware of Postpartum Depression

By on January 24, 2017

What is Postpartum Depression

Giving birth to a life is the greatest accomplishment of a woman’s spirit. But, the journey of motherhood isn’t easy. Sleepless nights, exhausted body, anxiety, mood swings and fear is a known fact. It is termed as postpartum baby blues and lasts not more than 2-3 days after the delivery. But in a few new mothers, these symptoms are more severe, intense and long lasting. This condition is termed as postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression

Many times postpartum depression is misjudged as a sign of weakness and flaw. But our article will clear all your misconception about it so that prompt treatment could be done to assist the mother manage her symptoms.
The symptoms of postpartum depression are many times confused with postpartum baby blues. So let us have a look at the symptoms of postpartum depression.

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

An individual suffering from postpartum depression may identified by following symptoms, depressed mood, excessive crying, severe mood swings, difficulty in bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family, relatives and friends, loss of appetite. In some cases, there may be more eating than normal, insomnia or excessive sleeping, overwhelming fatigue, loss of energy, reduced interest in activities she used to enjoy, intense irritability, anger, fear that she is a bad mother, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, inadequacy or shame, inability to think, make decisions or concentrate, severe anxiety, panic attacks.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

These symptoms are so intense and long lasting that the mother is unable to take care of the baby and handle other tasks.
Usually, these symptoms develop with the first week of giving birth but can also appear later anytime within 6 months after the baby’s birth.

What are the Causes of Postpartum Depression

The causes of postpartum depression may be hormonal changes that the body has to go through after the child’s birth. Other causes are sleep deprivation, anxiety about child care, difficulty in breastfeeding, lack of support, financial issue, unplanned pregnancy and other emotional issues.

What is the treatment of postpartum depression

The treatment of postpartum depression depends on the severity of the symptoms. The first line of treatment is psychotherapy or talk therapy. This is done by professional and mental health counselors. Family and spouse support also plays an important role in this. The main motive of psychotherapy is to help the mother cope with her feelings, solve problems, set realistic goals and be positive.

treatment of postpartum depression

treatment of postpartum depression

In some cases, antidepressants may also be recommended that have fewer side effects on the breastfeeding baby.

Natural ways to Cope up with Postpartum Depression

Try relaxation exercises, walking, meditation, yoga and breathing exercise to get rid of stress. Keep yourself hydrated. Pay attention to your diet, have proper sleep, Get sometime for yourself. Light therapy and essential oil massage may also help you to cope up with depression. A few herbal remedies for postpartum depression are St, Jhon’s wort, Vitex, lemon balm, rosemary, hops, oatstraw and Motherwort. For the doses of herbal remedies do consult your health care provider.

Natural ways to Cope up with Postpartum Depression

Natural ways to Cope up with Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious matter of concern as an affected mother can even harm herself and the baby or may commit suicide. So if you find the new mother in your family, or friend circle depressed after baby’s birth do not take it lightly. Talk to her about this and convince her to see a doctor. If you are a new mother and going through all the symptoms discussed above do not feel embarrassed or reluctant to admit it. Better talk to your partner and doctor about it as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms seem to you as symptoms of postpartum baby blues meet your doctor once.

symptoms of postpartum baby

symptoms of postpartum baby

Giving birth changes a woman’s life completely and it’s our duty to take care and support the new mother.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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