Blog

          Yes, you read it right. Is it really okay not to be okay after giving birth? To answer that you have to know about Postpartum depression (PPD). 

What is Postpartum depression(PPD)?

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby.

Luckily PPD is more widely recognized today than it was in the past. Even though some people try to normalize it by saying “ At our times there was no such illness, we have also given birth. Girls nowadays make everything a big deal.” These negative social feedbacks will drain away your Mental energy making the condition more worse. Some said out of frustrations some out of ignorance but the result is same.

The fact you have to keep in your mind is, it is different for everyone.Not everyone experience the same symptoms. You can’t paint everyone with the same brush. Their pregnancy journey is different from yours.

Let’s dig a little deeper 

Postpartum blues:

It is also known as “Baby blues” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, tiredness, frequent prolonged bouts of crying for no apparent reason, sadness and anxiety. many women experience after having a baby. “Baby blues” symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days without treatment. It affects 75% of women after delivery. All you'll need is reassurance and help with the baby and household chores.

Postpartum depression:

Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of baby blues Alternating highs and lows, frequent crying, irritability, fatigue, feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inability to care for your baby or yourself. It affects about 1 in 10 new mothers. It may appear within days of the delivery or gradually, even up to a year later and it can last from several weeks up to a year.

 Postpartum psychosis:

It is a severe form of postpartum depression. A rare condition affecting only 1 in 1,000 women after delivery. The symptoms occur quickly after delivery and last for a few weeks to several months. Severe agitation, confusion, feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid speech, or mania are the symptoms. Postpartum psychosis is a severe, life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention . The risk of hurting yourself or your baby is real.

What may be the reasons?

So why is it happening? That little bundle of joy you waited for 9 months and already fallen in love. Now it turned out like this illness is taking away your joy at a time you needed it the most.

There’s no one cause of postpartum depression

 -Hormones :The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone after you give birth.Low levels of thyroid hormones.

There’s some evidence that a lack of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with postpartum depression.

- Genes to be blamed, A family history of Depression.

- Lack of sleep

-Anxiety

-Self image like feeling less attractive or losing control over your life.

       World Mental Health Day will take place on Sunday, October 10. This year's theme is “Mental Health in an Unequal World,” aiming to address the deepening inequalities in our society. So I hope you will understand the importance of giving a helping hand to those who are not able to open up due to the social stigma surrounding mental illness. So I would like to draw your attention and make you aware of the things you should do if someone close to you exhibits these symptoms after giving birth so that they will be provided with the medical help as soon as possible.

How to support her?

-Try offering to help with household tasks or watching the baby while she gets some rest.

-Share information about PPD.

-Listen to her, make her feel you are always there and she is not alone.

-Limit the visitors.

- Body shaming and negative comments about the baby’s skin colour, gender, facial features should not be encouraged.

-Give her some privacy during feeding time.

-Stop comparing your delivery stories with her. You are not in her shoes. You don’t know what she has gone through.

-Encourage her to see a health care provider, if she is in need.

If you are a PDD warrior, How can you help yourself?

-Ask for help, let your close ones know so that they can help you.

-Sleep along with the baby.

-Find some me time.

-Don’t impose others expectations on you.

-focus on self care.

-Expect some good days and bad days

-Improve bonding with your partner

-Follow a diet rich in nutrients but low in processed foods.

Eventually you will bond with your baby more than anyone in this world.

Homoeopathy in depression

Homeopathic medicines are not prescribed based on the diagnosis but on the unique way the person experiences his or her disease that is giving importance to the mental symptoms. So It is a healthiest way to cure mental illness.

Dr. Nasneem Salim (BHMS)

Reg no: 12254

Consultant Homoeopathic physician 

Email: [email protected]