How To Deal With Postpartum Depression

 Ways To Deal With Postpartum Depression

Hi moms!  I want to talk today about a problem I have been
researching that many new moms have. Postpartum depression.

I’ll talk about the symptoms and remedies and end with special
encouragement to those who have it. 

We’ll also touch on postpartum psychosis and post-weaning
depression.

I still don’t know where the hospital gets baby, but after giving her
to the mom, there can be problems.

Baby Blues

Women tend to have mood swings after getting a new baby.
There are times when they feel happy and after a short while the
mood changes. Then they may start to cry.

Sometimes they feel depressed, lose concentration, and are not
hungry. They may also find it difficult to sleep even when their
baby is asleep.

Some of these symptoms are seen three to four days after coming
home with baby.

If you are a new mom and you have some of these symptoms, then
you may be having the baby blues. The baby blues are viewed as
part of early motherhood and usually begin to disappear within ten
days after coming home.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental disorder which affects
some women after being given a new baby. It can even start many
months later. This disorder can affect from ten to twenty percent of
new moms.

Patients suffering from postpartum depression have a prolonged
feeling of restlessness.

Also, a feeling that they aren’t worth anything. They will feel sad
and lonely which can last for many weeks, even months!

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

• -Showing little or no interest in your baby
• -Feeling like you don’t deserve to live
• -Loss of appetite
• -Lack of motivation and energy in doing things
• -Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious
• -Feeling sad or down often
• -Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
• -Loss of interest or pleasure in life
• -Unexplained weight loss or gain
  

 Postpartum Depression Remedies

There are a variety of postpartum depression remedies available,
ranging from aromatherapy to medicines. These remedies are
acknowledged as safe to both the mom and her breastfeeding child.

Massage Therapy

Massage and aromatherapy can be very helpful in improving mood
and easing stress during the postpartum period.

Exercise

It’s important for postnatal women to participate in moderate
physical activity. Exercise can get rid of physical fatigue in
postpartum, depressed women.

It’s advisable for women to do high-intensity exercises. Do them for
at least thirty minutes a day, five days a week for good results.

Herbs And Supplements

Herbs and supplements are readily available and considered
natural. They may not be safe to a breastfeeding mother,
though.

Before taking any supplements or herbs its good to consult with
your doctor. They may have side effects which may affect you
and your child.

Antidepressant Medicines

Ask your doctor about the value of taking an antidepressant. Most
of the antidepressant medicines are ok if you’re breastfeeding.
Your doctor can advise you on the medicine to use.

Postpartum Psychosis

Women may also develop postpartum psychosis which is a
deadly disease. The chances of suffering from this disorder are
rare, though.

It’s combined of postpartum depression symptoms and also
thoughts of hurting baby or yourself.

Webmd.com, in an article, called  What Is Postpartum Psychosis?
says “This rare and serious mental illness can happen with
postpartum depression.

Symptoms often begin during the first two weeks after your
baby is born, and include that:

Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. Get help as
soon as you can.” 

Don’t try to treat yourself.  If you have these symptoms, it’s an
emergency! Symptoms can include hallucinations!

A Real Example

“I believed I was being tortured and punished because I had
caused an apocalypse and killed most people in the world
and the remaining survivors were torturing and trying to 
cremate me alive,” she said.

“The reality was I was in an ambulance being taken from the
psychiatric hospital to a regular hospital to be treated for
sepsis.” A story about a mom named Kathryn Grant in an article
on bbc.com.  Full story here

Happy Time

Getting a new baby should be a happy time for a new mom.
Having the opportunity to raise someone that can make a
difference in our world.

It’s so sad to know that so many moms are having a tough time.
Mom said she was fortunate to only having the baby blues with
us.

If You Know A New Mom

“How to help: If you know a new mama, don’t assume she’s
doing okay just because her life isn’t obviously going up in
flames. Check in. 

Ask about her health, not just her baby’s.  And let her know
you’re a judgment-free place to share.”  From mother.ly in an
article on postpartum depression.   Read here

Post-Weaning Depression

There is also another illness not talked about as much. It’s called
post-weaning depression.

During breastfeeding, hormones are released giving moms a
happy feeling. After weaning, some of those hormones are
decreased and that can cause an emotional disturbance in moms.

Some doctors recommend weaning very gradually allowing the
body to adjust better. Some moms still may have a problem,
though. Like Ashley Abramson:

“Depression came on suddenly and strong, even though I cut
out just one feeding every week. I spent full days lying on the
couch, debilitated by a weighty kind of sadness I had never
felt before.

My complete lack of motivation was starting to scare 
me: I didn’t want to do anything but sleep, I hardly ate or
engaged with my kids, and I lost all motivation to work.” Taken
from an article on brit.co.  Read the full story here

Things To Do

There are things you can do to help decrease your body’s reaction
to missing the “happy” hormones.

Exercise

Exercise also releases hormones that make us feel good. When you
exercise, you will be replacing the hormones you’re missing with the
new ones.

Healthy Diet

Avoid refined carbohydrates and white sugar. Experts say these
types of foods can interfere with your hormonal balance. Also, coffee
and alcohol can. Drink plenty of water throughout the day too.

Be Open With Loved Ones

When talking to those close to you, be honest with how you feel so
they can encourage and help. Just talking about how you feel can
sometimes help.

Should be normal soon

Moms who go through post-weaning depression are usually back to
normal in a few weeks. 

If you still have symptoms past that time, seek advice from your
doctor.

A Special Message

Moms, if you are seriously depressed, please get help. There’s a
light in the middle of your darkness. There are better days ahead!
I pray you’ll see those days soon.

Always respect yourself, and if you’re reading this…

Your time isn’t up yet…Discover why!

                                                                                                                 courtesy of IntermountainMoms at youtube.com

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