New Mom Woes

How to overcome postpartum depression and baby blues

How to overcome postpartum depression and baby blues

Postpartum depression (PPD) refers to a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur after a delivery of a baby. Majority of women with postpartum depression begin having symptoms within a month after giving birth. However, symptoms may appear as late as 12 months from the date of delivery. PPD is one of the most common postpartum complications, but it remains underdiagnosed and underreported due to cultural attitudes, customs, and norms that prohibit women from seeking help for this condition.

Pregnancy is a major life stressor that can precipitate or exacerbate depressive tendencies. With all the physical changes happening to the body, coupled with the lifestyle adjustments in preparation for motherhood, pregnancy can take a toll on mental health. In addition to this, the sudden decline of hormones after delivery can predispose mothers to develop PPD.

DEPRESSION COMES IN MANY FORMS

Many women experience postpartum blues or baby blues during the days immediately after birth which is associated with sudden mood swings, crying for no reason, and feeling impatient, irritable, anxious, lonely, or sad. Postpartum blues usually gets resolved after two weeks, and the symptoms are not severe. Nonetheless, emotional support is warranted for these women.

PPD is different from the postpartum blues. For PPD, the feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and despair are more severe than postpartum blues and often last longer. PPD inhibits a woman from performing activities of daily living and affects her ability to function. She may find it hard to get out of bed for hours, cry inconsolably, and feel like a failure as a mother. PPD can be treated as long as the patient seeks help. Two main treatments for PPD are medications for depression and talking to a therapist.

Postpartum psychosis, on the other hand, is a serious mental illness affecting mothers. This occurs within the first three months postpartum. New mothers can have auditory hallucinations, delusions, and hallucinations. Other symptoms include insomnia, agitation, anger, pacing, and restlessness. Women with postpartum psychosis need immediate treatment and should be brought to the hospital,

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN AVOID TRIGGERS

The best way to manage this emotional rollercoaster is not to put too much pressure on oneself. Pregnancy and giving birth can already take a toll for any new mom. The last thing she needs is to tell her that failure is not an option, and she cannot take a rest. Here are some more tips to make sure depression is kept at bay:

• Set realistic expectations for you and your baby. Not all babies develop at the same rate, and, sometimes, this is ok. Do not put undue stress on yourself by thinking otherwise.

• Connect with your partner. You are in this together.Communicate with them, so they know how you feel. This way, they will know how to help you get through this time.

• Do not isolate yourself. Keep in touch with family and friends. Maintaining connections can be a way for you to keep yourself grounded.

• Sleep and rest when your baby is asleep. Your rest is just as important, so that you can take better care of your baby, too.

• Set aside some “me” time to freshen up and recharge. It is not selfish to take care of yourself during this time.

• Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed with the tasks of being a new mother. This new stage of life is not easy to adjust to and can be challenging. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. An unhealthy lifestyle may make you feel worse. Eating the proper food and maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet will make your body feel better.

Pregnancy and childbirth are both wonderful and happy moments, but do not be discouraged if you experience feeling down. This is just normal. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but knowing and acknowledging how you feel will help you understand what you are going through. Help is always available.

Mikaela G. Martinez-Bucu, MD, FPOGS, FPSRM is a Clinical Associate Professor at the UP College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital and Active Consultant at Manila Doctors Hospital. She is a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist and fertility specialist. As a new mother to a one-year old son, she is an advocate for breastfeeding and Early Intrapartum and Newborn Care/EINC (Unang Yakap).

With all the physical changes happening to the body, coupled with the lifestyle adjustments in preparation for motherhood, pregnancy can take a toll on mental health. because they are at risk for hurting themselves and others.