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Every mother knows that having a baby is definitely the wildest roller coaster ride of a woman’s life. Taking into consideration that the hormones are going wild, that there is a ton of new responsibilities along with some serious sleep deprivation, as well as no time for yourself, it’s no wonder every mother goes through some sort of baby blues. However, sometimes these baby blues can grow into postpartum depression which is much more serious. And while earlier nobody talked about this, thankfully nowadays, women finally get the chance to speak about it. It’s important to talk about PPD; it’s important to acknowledge it, face it and treat it in order to continue leading a normal life after you give birth.
In This Post:
What is postpartum depression
It’s perfectly normal to feel down after childbirth – in fact, 40 to 80% of new mothers experience baby blues which is an emotional state of tearfulness, unhappiness, self-doubt, worry and fatigue. Further, at least 10% of women develop PPD and it’s possible that this number is even higher considering that there are probably a lot of women who don’t seek help. Postpartum depression usually develops during the first few weeks after delivery while for some it’s even possible to develop it during pregnancy. The difference between baby blues, which bring only slight and definitely understandable changes in behavior, PPD brings up powerful feelings of sadness or despair which prevent a woman from being able to complete her usual, daily tasks which include caring for herself as well as others.
What causes PPD
The first and most important thing to remember is that it’s not a woman’s fault that she developed PPD. Postnatal depression simply develops due to the combination of hormonal, environmental, emotional and genetic factors, and this is something that cannot be controlled. Having baby blues contributes to further development of PPD but so do sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion.
Symptoms of PPD
The symptoms of postpartum depression and depression are the same and they include: restlessness, trouble sleeping, lack of interest in usual activities and hobbies, continuous crying, loss of appetite or eating too much – unintentional weight loss or weight gain, extreme feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness; also, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, overwhelming feelings of worthlessness and that life isn’t worth living, being uninterested in your baby, avoiding friends and family and others. If five or more of these symptoms are continuously present for at least two weeks, it’s time to consult your physician or depression counselor.
How to cope with PPD
In case of mild PPD a physician will usually recommend watchful waiting with regular check-ins but in case the symptoms are more severe, you might be recommended and prescribed antidepressants and/or talk therapy. However, there are additional things a new mother can do which will help her cope with PPD alongside therapy.here.
Ask for support
It’s extremely important to ask for help in case PPD develops. Getting the much-needed support from your partner and family is crucial.
Confide in others
The worst thing you can do is bottle your feelings. Instead, openly communicate with your partner, member of your family or a good friend. You may not even know that your mother or your best friend already went through the same thing and they can help you cope with it.
Pamper yourself
It’s ok to ask for some ‘me’ time. Sometimes taking care of yourself can be just the thing you needed to get through the day. Go shopping or get your hair done. Maybe you just need to get out of the house a bit. Maybe all you need is to do is put your baby in a baby carrier and have a nice day outside away from all the dirty laundry and dishes. PPD is not to be taken lightly. The sooner you notice and start treating it, the sooner it can be dealt with. Remember that this is not something you can control, but it is something you can defeat.