After having my baby, I went through the various hormonal shifts, as well as the stress of being in acupuncture school, working almost full time, and being sleep deprived. It was a lot to handle and it was really hard at times. Some women can also experience postpartum depression following childbirth. It typically occurs from a combination of hormonal changes, the psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.
Some women can get a general feeling of sadness after giving birth, but that typically lifts within a week. If it’s lasting long then it is most likely postpartum depression. According to studies, 1 in 10 women who gives birth experiences postpartum depression. If you have postpartum saddness lasting more than a week, please speak to your doctor and get some help. There are many options for what you can do to feel better.
Symptoms and Causes of Postpartum Depression
- Depressed mood
- Severe mood swings
- Excessive or random crying
- Difficulty with bonding with your baby
- Lack of sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first, but the huge difference is that, baby blues don’t last longer than a few days to a week. Postpartum depression symptoms are way more intense than your average baby blues. If you’re suffering these symptoms intensely and longer than a few days to a week, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.
Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression (PPD)
You may now be asking, “am I at risk of getting postpartum depression?”. The truth is, every woman who gives birth is at risk of developing postpartum depression. Some things that can inrease your chances of postpartum depression include:
- History of depression (prior to pregnancy)
- Age (higher chances the younger you are)
- Number of children (the more you give birth, the more likely you’ll get PPD)
- Going through extremely stressful events (job loss, health crisis)
- Having twins or triplets
- Hereditary
- Marital Conflict
- Living alone
Besides these risk factors, your lifestyle and beliefs can also contribute to developing postpartum depression. Things like hormones, lack of sleep, existing anxiety and self-image.
Postpartum Depression Support
Self care is most important. I understand this can seem impossible while taking care of a newborn baby, but it’s like they say on the airplane, put your oxygen mask on first, then help your child.
- Set a time for yourself to relax and to take a break from your baby. Do what makes you feel good and replenishes yourself.
- Get a buddy with whom you can open up and share your feelings with. Remember, a problem shared is a problem half solved. If you don’t have a support person like that, then look for a therapist.
- Lean on your partner, family and friends.
- Make your relationships a priority. Spending time with those you love increases your “feel good” brain chemicals.
- Get proper sleep. It may be challenging especially when you have a baby to take care of, but having good sleep will elevate your mood.
- Eat a good and balanced diet. Reduce your sugar and grain intake and eat lots of veggies and clean protein. Your gut is home to most of your serotonin production, that’s your happy hormone.
- Get out of the house. Take a walk in nature. It increases serotonin and endorphins, all happy hormones.
- Join a support group for mothers. It is reassuring to hear other new moms share challenges and create a safe space to vent.
- Look into treatments such as ketamine infusion depression treatment in Phoenix, AZ.
Postpartum depression is no joke. It’s a condition and not just something you need to get over. It’s important to acknowledge how you feel and know that what you are feeling is real. And you can get help.
The self-help list of tips may be enough to get you feeling better, but if not, please reach out to your doctor for help. If you’re not feeling better with your own efforts, then you may need medication, if only for a short term to get you over the hump. You can also reach out to an acupuncturists or functional medicine practitioner.
You deserve to feel happy and enjoy your newborn baby. If you’re suffering from postpartum depression, it can hold you back from enjoying your life. Reach out and get help, if you need. I’m always available for a free chat to offer resources. Schedule a free chat.
