While bringing a baby home is often seen as a joyful time, many new mothers find the experience challenging and not as rosy as expected. In actuality, the baby blues affect most new mothers. Within the first two weeks after giving birth, these hormonal changes that might induce anxiety, mood swings (sometimes crying) and restlessness eventually go away. The baby blues, also known as postpartum blues, are essentially a mild and transient kind of sadness that subsides when hormone levels stabilize. Eighty-five percent of new mothers will suffer from postpartum blues. One moment you can be joyful, the next overwhelmed and in tears. As per Osborne, ‘No mother is happy all the time’. It’s common to get frustrated and occasionally feel like putting the baby down.
Others experience postpartum depression that extends beyond a slight touch of the blues. Postpartum depression is a more significant but highly treatable disease that affects up to one in five new mothers. According to Stand even, postpartum depression can have an impact on both the mother and the child. According to her, the most typical pregnancy problem is postpartum depression. “Preterm birth, increased startle reflex in infants, gestational diabetes and other conditions are linked to untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy.” It may also pose a hazard to life. Statistics from nations that monitor the issue’s prevalence indicate that Stand even estimates postpartum depression to be a contributing factor in 20% of all mother fatalities.
How do you know you’re suffering from Post-partum Depression?
Depression-like symptoms might arise from some typical postpartum changes. The arrival of a new baby often leaves many mothers feeling overwhelmed. However, contact your physician, if any of the following depressive symptoms persist for longer than two weeks:
- Being irate or irritable
- Sad or forlorn feelings
- Feeling unworthy, guilty or ashamed
- Eating in excess or insufficiently
- Getting more or less sleep than normal
- Unusual melancholy or crying
- Loss of enthusiasm, delight, or satisfaction in something you formerly enjoyed
- removing oneself from friends and family
- Suspicion of hurting yourself or the infant
Some women choose not to disclose their symptoms to others. When it comes to feeling unhappy when they should be joyful, new mothers may experience feelings of embarrassment, humiliation or guilt. They can also be concerned about being viewed as horrible moms. Any woman can experience postpartum depression or experience depression while pregnant. You are not a horrible mother as a result. One need not endure suffering. Assistance is available.
What are the symptoms of Baby Blues?
Baby blues symptoms might appear a few days to a week or two after your baby is born and can include the following:
- Changes in mood
- Uncertainty
- Sadness
- Intolerance
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Crying
- Diminished ability to focus
- Issues with appetite
- Difficulty falling asleep
What are the symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
At first, postpartum depression symptoms can be confused with baby blues, but they are more severe and persistent. These can eventually make it more difficult for you to take care of your infant and do other everyday duties. Typically, symptoms appear in the first several weeks following childbirth. However, they can start sooner or later up to a year after child birth.
Symptoms of postpartum depression could include:
- Extreme mood swings or depression
- Too much crying, trouble bonding with your child and withdrawal from friends and family
- Appetite loss or eating a lot more than normal
- Insomnia or the inability to fall asleep, extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Decreased enthusiasm and enjoyment for the things you used to enjoy
- Severe irritation
- Fear of not being a good mommy
- Hopelessness
- Sensations of inadequacy, shame, remorse or worthlessness
- Diminished capacity to focus, clear thinking, or decision-making
- Anxiety
- Severe panic episodes and anxiety
- Feelings of hurting your child or yourself
If left untreated it would last for several months or years.
Can Post-partum Depression affect babies?
Yes, your infant may be impacted by postpartum depression. Receiving medical attention is crucial for both you and your child.
According to research, your infant may be impacted by postpartum depression in the following ways:
- You don’t create a connection with your infant and struggle to bond with them.
- Your child can be struggling academically or behaviorally.
- You may miss your child’s pediatrician’s appointments.
- Your child might be having trouble sleeping and eating.
- There’s a chance your child will experience developmental issues or obesity.
- You can fail to provide for your child’s needs or fail to notice when they are sick.
- Your infant might not be socially adept.
I’m Feeling numb after childbirth. Is it normal?
Indeed. “I believe that a lot of pressure is placed on people to feel that when they hold their baby for the first time, it will be love at first sight and they will be filled with joy,” and while this is true for many individuals, it is not always the case. But it’s a clue that something is wrong if you feel as though you can’t see the good aspects and that there aren’t any happy moments mixed in with the tiredness. Saying to a dependable friend, or doctor ‘This is harder than I thought it was going to be’ or ‘can you help me through this?’ ‘Is this common?’ is incredibly beneficial and you may get comfortable after some time.
What can help you to feel better?
- Rest as much as you can.
- When the child is asleep, go to sleep.
- Avoid taking on too much or trying to do everything by yourself.
- Seek assistance from your friends, family and partner.
- Make time to go out, see friends or spend quality time together alone.
- Discuss your feelings with your significant other, your family and your friends.
- Engage in conversations with other mothers to gain insight from their experiences.
- Engage in physical activity each day.
- Consume wholesome meals. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, and lean meats are a few of these.
- Limit your intake of sugary and fatty snacks.
What are the ways to support yourself if you are experiencing postpartum depression?
- Ensure that you have adequate support and attention from your family: How much sleep are you getting? Are you consuming enough food in meals? According to Dr. Stuebe, ‘Many new parents are taking care of their baby and they’re not getting a decent meal.’ Eating a filling, high-protein meal can make you feel slightly more human.
- Psychoanalysis (conversational treatment): A variety of psychotherapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), are very effective in treating postpartum depression and anxiety.” To get help navigating these emotions, discuss with your healthcare practitioner the possibility of consulting a mental health expert.
- Talk to those who have gone through similar things: We frequently have the impression that we are not alone in our feelings. Ask your healthcare practitioner about various peer support and guidance groups where you can exchange ideas, emotions and firsthand accounts. Talking about your feelings with your friends and family is also very important.
- Treat yourself gently: As a parent, you may have high expectations for yourself, but nobody can live up to their own high standards all the time. If you find yourself feeling worse again, or if you forget to accomplish something you had planned to, don’t stress. Be kind to yourself and try to treat yourself the same way you would a friend.
Can natural Treatments be helpful?
After visiting your physician, you might be curious about the possibility of using natural therapies to treat your problems. While there are options, post-partum depression is typically not an illness that can be treated independently. As part of your comprehensive treatment plan, let your doctor know about everything you take.
1. Vitamins:
Researchers are beginning to pay attention to vitamins that include omega-3 fatty acids as potential treatments for post-partum depression. In fact, a recent study found that the initial onset of this kind of depression is linked to a poor dietary intake of omega-3. During the postpartum period, nutritional stocks of omega-3s are accessed quite a bit, albeit more research is needed in this area. Consider taking supplements and consuming more of the following foods:
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Other oily fish
2. Take Care of your body:
Taking care of your physical health after childbirth is essential for your well-being. Engage in light activities like leisurely strolls or walking with your baby in a stroller. Prioritize eating nutritious, whole foods from the grocery store to fuel your body with energy. When the baby sleeps, take naps to rest and rejuvenate. Additionally, avoid harmful substances like alcohol and drugs, which can negatively affect both you and your baby.
3. Take some time for you:
Self-Care is Essential Amid the demands of motherhood, it’s easy to forget the importance of alone time. Make a conscious effort to prioritize yourself by establishing routines that involve getting dressed, stepping outside, running errands, or meeting up with a friend. Spending some time by yourself can help recharge your mind and body, reducing stress and promoting mental health.
4. Set realistic Goals:
Don’t Strive for Perfection With a new baby, it’s important to set realistic goals for what you can accomplish. Don’t expect perfection when it comes to household chores like picking up toys or washing dishes—these things can wait. Focus on essential tasks and celebrate the small achievements that help you feel productive, one step at a time.
5. Don’t Isolate:
Avoid the temptation to isolate yourself when you’re feeling down. Suppressing emotions can worsen feelings of loneliness and depression. Talk to your family, close friends, or your partner about how you’re feeling. If you need more support, consider joining a postpartum depression (PPD) support group—your physician can recommend local or online groups where you can connect with others going through similar experiences.
Conclusion
People that are depressed cannot recognize or acknowledge their condition. They might not be aware of depression’s warning signs and symptoms. If you suspect this condition of a friend or family member, take care of them as soon as possible. If you think they may be suffering from postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis consult a doctor or try to make them calm. Don’t hold out and hope for improvement.
SOURCES
Johns Hopkins Medicine 2024 – Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
US Department of Health & Human 2023 – Office on Women’s Health: Post-Partum Depression
Mayo Clinic 2022 – Post-partum Depression
Cleveland Clinic 2022 – Post Partum Depression
UNICEF Parenting 2020 – What is Post-partum Depression
Healthline 2016 – Are There Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression?
HISTORY
Current Version
September 6, 2024
Written By:
BARIRA MEHMOOD