What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) also called postnatal depression is a form of clinical depression that affects some women after they have delivered a child. The exact cause of this condition is not known however some research says that since the hormone levels change during and after pregnancy this imbalance of hormonal level in woman's body causes chemical changes in the brain that play a part in developing depression.
Post partum depression can be treated by talk therapy and medicine (antidepressant).
Why do women get affected by it?
Giving birth to baby is a tough job. The rapid gush of hormones in that period creates a state of imbalance in the body for a while. And this imbalance can last from a few days to months, which maybe a cause for postpartum depression.
However giving birth is also one of the most beautiful feeling a woman can ever experience. From the moment a woman has given birth she feels sheer joy and happiness, fulfillment, achievement, thankfulness. But with all these positive qualities come along anxiety, fear, uncertainty, responsibility and sometimes depression.
Simple steps to treat your depression yourself:-
- Be pro active not reactive
Once you get pregnant you want to gather all the information regarding your baby's development, what to eat what not to, what's good for the baby's health, what's the sex of the baby etc. Side by side do make it a point to study the topic of postpartum depression.
- Do not live in denial
Even if you are having a very smooth pregnancy and everything's fine, do not guarantee yourself that you cannot get depression.
Even the happiest of pregnant women do get some form of depression either they get mood swings also called Baby Blues or PPD or in very rare cases Postpartum psychosis.
- We fear the unknown
You delivered a baby a week ago. You are exhausted. You are not getting enough sleep you don't even know who this new person is? You hate your body. You hate the people around you. You don't have much interest in this baby. You just want to run away some place. In short there is nothing you feel good about. You have PPD!
You try to pretend that you don't know what's wrong however your subconscious tells you that there is something wrong with you and this is not normal. Once you know it that you have PPD, you have treated this illness 50%.
- Remember all your baby needs is you
You want to sleep for a stretch of 6 hours; you want to watch a movie alone or with your partner. Maybe all you want is some peace and quiet. Yes you can do all this but stock it up for some time later because rite now the most important thing in your life is your baby.
Remember this is tiny person you anxiously waited for 9 months. You worked so hard to make everything perfect for your baby.
Finally your baby is here. Your baby wants to be close to you, she wants your touch. She wants your body warmth; she wants your breast she simply wants to be near you. You are your baby's main life support.
You have to tell all this to yourself. Forget the world. Right now it's just you and the baby.
- Have faith in yourself
Do not jeopardize yourself in the process of child care. Go easy. Sleep when the baby sleeps even if it's for 15 minutes. Talk to your partner or any friend. Make plans for your baby.
Try to indulge yourself totally in motherhood. Yes this absolutely works.
Keep reassuring yourself that everything will be fine. Think positive. Do not let those irrational feelings take over you.
Taking antidepressant drugs is not a very good idea especially for a breastfeeding mother because the drug can get into in the milk.
Remember Postpartum depression is not a disease or illness it's just some bad vibes that hover over you when you have been blessed with the most beautiful gift. A baby!
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