Baby Blues

Postnatal Depression

(PND)

Changes in Hormone levels after childbirth can profoundly affect the emotions in most women

Emotional swings last only a few days,but in others they lead to the more prolonged,serious condition called Postnatal Depression

Baby Blues

It is certainly true that nothing can prepare you for caring for a new baby.The physical and emotional upheaval is bound to have and impact.Quite often when most mothers think they are going to be happiest,they feel very low - the baby blues

Postnatal Depression

In most instances this only lasts a few days,but sadly in some, these feelings can continue for months due to a condition known as Postnatal Depression

Recognize the Symptoms

It is important for a father to be aware of the symptoms and recognize the difference between the normal 'blues' and real depression so that he knows how to help and when to seek medical advice

Your hormones, Progesterone & Estrogen will have been high during pregnancy.After your have had your baby,these hormone levels drop and your body may find it difficult to adjust.This can have a marked effect on your emotions.

With this and the fact that you are probably completely exhausted from labour and lack of sleep it is not at all surprising that you may not be feeling on top of the world

If symptoms that stated out as the common Baby blues, don't go away

And in fact start to become worse - your could be suffering from Postnatal Depression

This is a temporary and treatable condition that varies from woman to woman

It can develoop slowly and not become obvious until severeal weeks after the baby's birth - but if it is diagnosed and addressed early enough,there is a good chance of a fast cure Health visitors / clinic sisters are trained to recognize the symptoms,and treatments ranges from something as simple as talking to a friend, health visitor or doctor about how you feel,to taking medication,such as antidepressants for more severe cases

Causes of Postnatal Depression

There are many reasons why Postnatal Depression occurs. It depends on you as a person,your personal circumstances and the way your baby behaves.Research has shown that some risk factors may make you more susceptible to Postnatal Depression

1. If you enjoyed a senior position at work or high-flying career before the birth.It can be difficult to adjust to the status change

2. If you already have difficulties in your relationship,the baby may make them worse,this in itself may lead to disillusionment and low self-esteem

3. if you had an unexpectedly difficult birth experience,you could easily feel demorilized and feel that you have failed in some sense

4. If you have had depression in the past,you may be more prone to PND now

5. A very demanding,sleepless baby can trigger Postnatal depression from sheer exhaustion

6. If you have particularly difficult living conditions and no support network,this can exacerbate postnatal depression

7. If you have bottled up your emotions and not sough help early on PND may develop

Solutions & Treatment

Give yourself time,accept that you will feel like this for a short time

And that what you are going through is incredibly common

Accept offers of help and do not try to do everything yourself

Try to talk about your feelings and have a good cry if it helps

Tell your partner you need a lot of love and affection,but remember this is a time of change for him too

Most fathers feel an anti-climax after the birth.There are the extra responsibilities and sudden changes in lifestyle.If your partner is feeling low,you will be called on to be a tower of strength,whch can be a huge strain

Try to think of the first few months as a period of rapid change that is testing for both of you.When you come through it you will emerge closer than you were before

If you get really unhappy,talk things over with the clinic health-practitioner / doctor or a close friend

Many women are too embarrassed to admit how they feel, fearing that it will appear that they have somehow failed

Talking about how you feel is the most important thing you can do

Once you have accept that you are not 'mad' or a 'bad mother' and that there are things you can do to help yourself,you are one step on the road to recovery

Once you seek help you will ge guided to

1. understand how you fell and learn to express this 2. devote more time to yourself and find ways to relax 3. visit the health-practitioner / doctor more regularly and seek support 4. begin taking medication if your postnatal derpession is very extreme

What Fathers can do

As a father, you may feel helpless because you don't understand PND.Rember, it is temporary and treatable,so try to be patient.You can be a huge help if you make an effort to understand and do the following

Talk and listen to your partner

Never tell her to pull herself together,she can't

Don't assume she will snap out of it, she can't

Mother the mother - encourage her to rest and eat and drink properly Encourage her to be with the baby as much as she wnats,so that she can take things slowly and gradually work out how the baby will fit in

Make sure she is not alone too much

See the doctor first for advice - your partner may refuse to accept she is ill

Self-Help

If you are feeling low,there are a number of things you can do to help yourself

Believe in recovery - Convince yourself that you will get better,no matter how much time that takes.Correct potassium deficiency - Severe exhaustion,another possible problem after giving birth,may be made worse by a lack of patassium in your body.Low potassium levels are easily corrected by eating plenty of potassium-rich foods such as bananas or tomatoes.Rest as much as possible - being tired definitely makes depression worse and harder to cope with.Catnap during the day and if possible,get someone to help with night feeds.Maintain a proper diet - Eat plenty of fruit and raw vegetables,don't snack or binge on chocolate,sweets and cookies.Eat little and often.Do not go on a strict diet.Get gentle exercise - Give yourself a rest from being indoors or taking care of the baby.A brisk walk in the fresh air can lift your spirits.Avoid major upheavals - Don't start a new job,redecorate or move to a new home.Try not to worry unduly - Aches and pains are common after childbirth,and more so if you are depressed.Try to take them in stride,they will almost certainly fade away as soon as your can relax Be kind to yourself - Relax, do not force yourself to do things you don't want to do or that might upset you.Don't worry about not keeping the house spotless or letting household tasks lapse.Concern yourself with small,undemanding tasks and reward yourself when you finish them.Talk about your feelings - Don't bottle up your concerns,this can make matters worse.Talk to others,particularly your partner

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info source:

Dr Mirriam Stoppard- Family Health Guide