What you need to know about Postpartum Depression

It is common for new mothers to experience postpartum depression for a few days after giving birth. Most women get over the baby blues within 3 to 5 days.

The feeling of being depressed, hopeless, or empty for two weeks or more may indicate postpartum depression. In rare cases, postpartum psychosis may also develop after childbirth. This feeling of being lost or sad after childbirth is not a normal or expected part of motherhood.

Postpartum depression isn’t a sign of weakness or character flaw. Most of the time, it is simply a result of labor complications.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a state of profound mental illness affecting your physical and mental well-being. You may experience sadness or emptiness that doesn’t pass away and interferes with everyday activities.

You may feel detached from your baby.
You may feel as if you do not belong to your baby.
May Lack an emotional connection or bond.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

You may suffer postpartum depression for many reasons, but physical and emotional issues are likely to be major factors.

An increase in hormone levels may lead to postpartum depression. You will experience the highest levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. However, within 24 hours of labor, hormone levels return to normal. According to researchers, these drastic changes in hormone levels may cause depression.

While the emotional causes are

When you are stressed and sleep deprived, you may have trouble dealing with even the smallest of problems.
The thought of caring for your newborn may worry you.
Some of the symptoms may include feeling less attractive, out of control, or experiencing an identity crisis.

Here are a few tips to help you cope with postpartum depression.

Take time to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and engage in daily physical activity, such as taking your baby for a walk. Exercise (with your doctor’s approval) makes you feel better as it releases endorphins that combat stress and lifts your mood. Be outdoors as fresh air will help you. Your brain and your body will be able to breathe easier and have a better perspective.

You may be less likely to develop postpartum depression if you breastfeed. You should keep nursing if that is something you enjoy.

According to a study published by “Journal of affective disorders,” women with lower DHA levels are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

You may want to consider adding fish oil as it is an excellent source of DHA. However, it is recommended that you avoid seafood as they may contain mercury. In addition, you might want to consider organic baby clothes to avoid contact with mercury and other toxins.

Make time for yourself. It is important that you care for yourself while taking care of your baby. Get involved in something you enjoy, such as reading books, shopping for baby pajamas online, watching your favorite movie or watering your plants.

Be realistic in your expectations. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Make the best of what you can and leave the rest for another time.

Talk to someone about how you feel. Being able to tell someone is a huge relief, and it helps you deal with the situation.

You may rely on your partner, family, and friends. You will benefit greatly from their support.

Invest time in your relationships. Spending time with your partner may elevate your “feel good” hormones.

You may want to join a social group for mothers. Being able to talk to other mothers about challenges may be comforting.

You may want to seek your doctor for medication since postpartum depression can cause difficulties with parenting when left untreated. If you display symptoms indicating postpartum psychosis, seek medical attention immediately.

Nobody is to blame for experiencing postpartum. It is a medical condition that calls for treatment. Most mothers may experience some degree of postpartum depression. Although their causes may vary, the conditions are treatable.

The right therapy and support from family and friends may help you recover from postpartum depression. You can soon start to enjoy your baby and the new experience of being a mother.

Author Bio

I am Andrea Micheal, a post-graduate in humanities and communications and a curious person who loves writing. I’m working for Tiny Twig, and my forte is digital marketing and everything that has to do with phones and screens. I believe that one person can make a change, and that’s precisely why I took up writing, which is the best tool to communicate these days. I have a decade of experience in writing and marketing, and I still find myself learning new things about it, which I want to share with my readers.