Things that women can do to tackle postpartum depression?
Pregnancy does not end by giving birth to the infant. It actually begins by birth. The entirely planned 9 months can go lucidly, but when the infant is born, the entire focus is shifted to him or her, leaving the mother unheard. Both the mother and child require equal attention post-delivery. After birth of the infant, a proper pediatrician should be shortlisted and consulted if any complications arise. For the mother, a proper nutritional meal should be taken care of so that she can take care of the child accordingly.
Postpartum depression is a common phenomenon faced by new mothers after the birth of their child. It is a condition in which mother’ body and mind undergoes changes. She feels detached, running out of emotions, frustrated and sad post-delivery for more than two weeks. In this condition, proper medication and therapy is suggested for the mother.
Most important part post-delivery is the acceptance of the infant – no matter if it is a girl or boy! Most of the women face postpartum depression because of the societal and family pressure of son meta preference, which leads to mother’ suicidal thoughts or even suicide. Some of the working women, who have been on maternity leave should be assured paid maternity leave and proper crèche facilities once she re-joins the workplace. Not only the infants but also the mother’ care is inevitable at the workplace.
What is Postpartum depression?
the most common change which 1 in every 9 new mother’ face is the post-partum depression or post pregnancy depression. Most women face sadness or emptiness post childbirth, the term is referred to as baby blues. This condition usually stays for a span of 3-5 days. If the duration of baby blues remains for more than 2 weeks, it is assigned to postpartum depression and an expert help is needed at that time.
Women usually neglect these things as she has already gone through many changes while pregnant. They usually misguide themselves for hormonal changes, but postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition in which a woman feels hopeless and emotionless towards her own kid. In this condition, a woman’ mental and physical health are at stake.
Symptoms of Post-Partum depression?
· Feeling sad, aloof or over-excited – the 9 months’ journey takes toll on the woman. Not only does she undergo physical change but also undergo emotional, physiological changes too. The urge to eat proper food, exercise, have good thoughts, etc. is a necessity during pregnancy. But the scenario in many cases is not the same. For e.g., a mother to be in rural area is not guaranteed with a proper meal three times a day, she cannot have only good thoughts if she is pressurized to think about giving birth to son only, proper sleep and adequate rest is not guaranteed if she is the only care giver in the family. In these circumstances, the women have more chances of facing postpartum depression because of her condition.
· Lacking Decision making power- most important decision of a couple is family planning. The thought of planning a child should be with the consent of both the parents. This is a sign of a healthy relationship. Woman and man having equal decision making powers. If the women are working, a paid maternity leave should be guaranteed and after she resumes work a just and humane condition should be maintained. In rural area, awareness should be spread for family planning, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum depression, contraceptive, etc. so that the woman knows about it and is mentally prepared when they are planning a family. To have a childbirth is a very big thing, a mother should be guaranteed decision making and planning of the journey.
· Physiological changes – the new mother’ sleep pattern changes entirely depending on the infant's sleeping pattern. This causes lack of sleep or over sleeping due to sudden changes. Even on regular days if we are deprived of sleep, we feel exhausted and tired. In this condition, the mother has to be continuously on the toes from feeding the baby to putting him or her to sleep. Headache, body ache and stomach pains are also observed in women undergoing this depression. The entire focus is shifted to the newborn keeping the mother’ need and requirement aside.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
During pregnancy, a woman’ hormone level is at highest like Estragon, Progesterone, Human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg), Human Placental lactogen (hpl) and Relaxin. After childbirth, these hormones see a sudden drop in level. Few experts say that due to this hormonal swing, women face this kind of depression. Other factors also include:
· Labor pain – the pain a woman undergoes during childbirth needs a lot of strength, mentally and physically. After labor, women are naturally tired and not in a state to take any decisions or do any activity. In this condition, proper rest and care of both the mother and child should be done to avoid depression and other issues.
· Doubting motherhood – a woman’ main point of worry is that she will be able to be a good mother and take good care of the child. The competitive behavior leads to overthinking and over caring. The mother should be supported by her family on both sides with her chores and taking care of the child, which helps keep the mother motivated and less negative thoughts.
· Lack of free time – the mother is entirely endorsed around the infant from the time he or she wakes up. Taking care of feeding them, bathing them, regular doctor visits, etc. in this entire time, the mother skips on looking after herself too. This leads to her not having proper nutrient intake, proper sleep, etc. This eventually leads to her being more frustrated, feeling aloof and depressed.
Ways for forward –
If a woman is feeling any of the above symptoms, she should immediately consult a doctor, psychiatrist, etc. This should not be taken lightly and avoided as post childbirth it is very necessary that both child and mother’ health remains sound. Here the term health is used in a broader aspect of mental, emotional, physiological and physical health. Visiting an expert for help is like being heard and understood. Here are few boosters for the new mother’ –
· Sleep, rest, relax – when the baby is resting, the mother has a good time to relax and rejuvenate.
· Ask for help – post childbirth have a house help or any family member around to help with basic chores of you and the child. Doing everything on your own can drive you crazy and exhausted.
· Talk – discussing with your mother & mother in law, new mothers, friends, helps boost morale and feel good about motherhood. Out of everyone’ story on motherhood, pick the one which motivates you the most and keeps you positive.
· Make a timetable- it will always be hectic and running out of time when the baby arrives home. But planning your day according to the baby’ sleep and eating routine can help you know your free time and decide on an activity too. Meditation, reading a book on motherhood, cooking for thyself, relaxing, etc. can help you regulate anxiety and worry. A good time with your family and partner can help you relax.
REFERENCE - WOMEN’ HEALTH