According to statistics , 10-15% of women who give birth suffer from postpartum depression , women who have suffered depression before birth suffer it after the birth of a child in 35% of cases. The time of occurrence of postpartum depression is not associated with accuracy with the moment the baby appears. Symptoms of this disorder can occur in the mother and in several months and even years after childbirth. The first year after the birth of the baby is considered a time of increased risk, when the woman is most vulnerable.
Depression lasts from one month to several years. It depends on the mother herself and on the availability of support and understanding of loved ones. Usually, young mothers experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression are in no hurry to consult a specialist. Feelings of guilt and unwillingness to admit helplessness are an obstacle to this. Ignoring the problem and not wanting to see a specialist can lead to a protracted form of the disorder.
Manifestations of postpartum depression
Among the symptoms of postpartum depression are noted: – Tearfulness, irritability, apathy, a feeling of depression and despondency, extreme pessimism. – Lack of interest in what is happening, inability to enjoy previously beloved activities and things. – Fear or, conversely, a desire to harm a child. – Often a woman makes high demands on herself and feels guilty in front of her child for the fact that she cannot be an ideal mother for him. – A woman may lack appetite, torment insomnia, headache, chest pain and a frequent heartbeat.
Postpartum depression negatively affects the development of the child. In the future, he may experience impaired speech development and psychological problems due to a lack of security.
The slight spleen that occurs in most women who have given birth can go away after life is improved and the woman gets used to the everyday duties that have arisen. Whereas depression requires certain measures.
How to fight?
All women who have given birth to a child, both to prevent depression and to combat it, must adhere to the following rules: – Caring for a child requires a lot of effort, time and nerves. Lack of sleep is a frequent occurrence in mothers, so you should use every opportunity for sleep, even if it goes to the detriment of household chores.
– Fill your diet with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. – A large number of them are found in fish and eggs. Do not forget about the well-known antidepressant products – bananas, pears and, in small quantities, chocolate.
– Aerobic exercise contributes to the development of the so-called “hormones of joy” in the body. It’s good if you have half an hour a day for running, swimming or dancing.
– Read books (for example, while breastfeeding), listen to music. Ask your husband or relative to take a walk with the baby and take time for yourself beloved. Meet your friends. Every woman will definitely find an occupation that gives her special joy.
Traditional methods of dealing with postpartum depression
Herbal treatment is an effective and time-tested method. In the fight against depression will help motherwort grass. Insist one teaspoon of dried chopped motherwort for half an hour in one glass of boiling water and take 3 times a day until you feel the need for it. Motherwort has no contraindications for breastfeeding. An infusion of valerian, which has a mild antidepressant effect, will also help you.
Aromatherapy . If you have favorite smells of essential oils, use them. One way to use the essential oil is to mix a few drops, for example, sage oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and rub into whiskey and wrists. Melissa, sandalwood, basil and lemon oil help in the fight against depression.
Walnut-honey mixture . You will need 100 g of dried apricots, 100 g of nuts and honey. Pass dried apricots and nuts through a meat grinder and mix with honey. Take the resulting mixture 2 times a day for 1 tablespoon.
Doctor’s advice on postpartum depression
The most important advice of doctors is not to postpone an appointment with a specialist if symptoms of postpartum depression do not disappear in 2 weeks.
The doctor will diagnose and prescribe treatment. When making a diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude the presence of diseases of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland.
With medical treatment, antidepressants are prescribed , which, although they pass into breast milk, however, there is no evidence of their negative impact on the health of the child.
For psychological treatments include group therapy, training for child care, and recommendations for the establishment of breastfeeding.
Of great importance are the support and assistance of close people . A woman in the postpartum period needs someone to take part of their household duties upon themselves, freeing up the woman’s time for sleep or activities that bring her pleasure.