DEALING WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

 

     What's wrong with me? I just gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. Why am I so depressed? I should  be happy and proud, but I feel bad,even angry.



       The term  ''postpartum depression'' refers to depressive episodes following childbirth.This  can occur after  the birth of a child,be it first child or last child. Depression episodes can even follow a miscarriage or termination of a pregnancy.
       Many women experience postpartum blues or baby blues,characterized by mil sadness,anxiety,fluctuating moods,fatigue e.t.c. Those blues are considered normal and are short lived,resolving themselves without any medical help within about ten days after childbirth. They can even go beyond the first few days. They can even appear several months after birth. This may be full-fledged postpartum depression,in which the feelings of sadness,anxiety or despair are so intense that the mother has trouble coping with her daily tasks. There is a more severe form of depression callled postpartum psychosis,in which the mother has delusions or hallucinations that often focus on hurting herself or the baby. This later attention requires immediate medical attention


                        Causes of Postpartum Depression
         There is no single clearly defined cause of postpartum depression.Both physical and emotional factors seems to be involved.
Below are some of these factors
1.  nutritional imbalance
2.   fatigue and lack of sleep
3.  unplanned pregnancy
4.   loss of freedom
5.   concern about attractiveness
        Also the idea that motherhood skills should be instinctive can lead to postpartum depression

             Treating  Postpartum Depression
1. Hormone treatment
2. Eating a nutritious diet
3. Acupuncture
4.homeopathic remedies
5.Herbs



     Tips  for coping with postpartum depression
1. Talk to someone about your feelings
2.  Ask others to help you with child care,household chores
3.  Do something positive like reading,taking a walk etc
4. Change of environment