Postpartum Mental Health
The
month of May brings Mental Health Awareness to the table. This is a topic that
is serious, but never talked about enough because there is a stigma for an
individual to be open about having depression and anxiety. This shame towards
individuals who struggle with their mental health can also be seen in mothers
with postpartum depression.
It’s
a common occurrence for mothers to have what is called the “baby blues” after
giving birth which involves having the feeling of unhappiness, worry, mood
swings, and fatigue. The baby blues affects up to 80% of mothers after having
their baby. This is caused by a significant drop in the hormones estrogen and
progesterone that leads to a chemical change in the brain after the baby has
been born. Fortunately, the baby blues only last a week or two before going
away on their own. However, about 10-20% of women do not experience a relief in
these symptoms, which leads to postpartum depression. The feeling of sadness,
depression, and anxiety can be severe and last for months after birth, which
causes the mother to not be able to care for herself or her family. Since the
symptoms of postpartum depression are severe, it usually requires the mother to
get treatment. If you our someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms
of postpartum depression, do not be afraid to reach out.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum
depression in mothers:
·
Feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed
·
Musculoskeletal ache and soreness or joint pain
throughout the body
·
Worrying or feeling overly anxious
·
Oversleeping, or being unable to sleep even when
the baby is sleeping
·
Having trouble concentrating, remembering
details, or making decisions
·
Experiencing anger or rage
·
Eating too much or too little
·
Crying more than usual for no reason
·
Having trouble bonding or forming an emotional
attachment with the baby
Treating postpartum depression:
·
Counseling/talk therapy with a counselor,
therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker
- Cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT): helps people recognize and change their negative
thoughts and behaviors
- Interpersonal
therapy (IPT): helps people understand and work through problematic
personal relationships.
·
Chiropractic care for musculoskeletal ache and
soreness
·
Medication (antidepressants)
In need of help
and more hands after having the baby? There is nothing wrong with asking for
help and hiring a postpartum doula. Why could having a postpartum doula be
beneficial for mothers? They provide information on infant feeding, emotional
support and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding, infant soothing,
and newborn care. Don’t feel ashamed for wanting an extra hand while dealing
with a newborn. It’s a busy time and transition in a family’s life, and
postpartum doulas want to be there to make the major changes easier. A
postpartum doula can help out a family with a new born anywhere from 1-5 days a
week. As a mother with a new infant, never feel like you are obligated to do
everything all on your own. There is many people out there that would be happy
to help you during this transition in your life.
Here is what a postpartum doula can
do to help out the mother, baby, and family:
·
Housekeeping so that the mother does not feel
overwhelmed
·
Running errands
·
Meal preparation
·
Sibling care
·
Assistance with newborn diapering, bathing,
feeding, and comforting
·
Baby soothing techniques
·
Referrals to local parenting classes,
pediatricians, lactation support, and support groups
·
Night time services
References:
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