Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women after giving childbirth. It can appear unexpectedly days or months after giving birth. Some women don’t know they are suffering from postpartum depression or think it is just the “baby blues”. Left untreated, postpartum depression can be dangerous.
Women should be screened for depression during pregnancy and after giving birth, an influential government-appointed health panel said Tuesday. The recommendation, expected to galvanize many more health providers to provide screening, comes in the wake of new evidence that maternal mental illness is more common than previously thought.
The postpartum period of motherhood can be a complicated and transformative time. While most mothers-to-be receive a plethora of support from health care professionals, family, friends, and even strangers while pregnant and during the newborn phase, it is not uncommon for special care and attention to diminish as the newborns (baby and mother) grow.
Of course the hardest thing for a new mother is to take care of herself. The importance of self care cannot be underestimated. I have seen new mothers take care of their baby, the husband, children and all the visiting relatives, forgetting about herself. Often sleep deprived and overwhelmed the mother returns to work within 4-6 weeks.
Many of the emotions and experiences of motherhood are enjoyable, but no new mother is free from struggle. Common symptoms of postpartum “baby blues” or more intense, longer-lasting postpartum depression, may include:
• Feelings of anger
• Anxiety
• Overwhelming emotions and moods
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Crying more often than usual
• Feeling numb of disconnected from the baby
• Worrying that you will hurt the baby
• Feeling guilty of being a good mom
In addition to powerful emotions, new moms may also struggle with the physical demands of motherhood, including: recovery from C-sections and vaginal delivery, sleep deprivation, adherence to a nutritious diet and strengthening exercise plan, as well as the conditions and concerns that accompany nursing and caring for another human around-the-clock.
While connecting with healthcare professionals to explore treatment options can be an important part of addressing maternal health, it is also important to know that there are methods other than taking pharmaceutical medication available. Highly-effective, holistic methods to treating depression and postpartum conditions exist.
Chinese Medicine has so much to offer to support the balancing of hormones, nurturing the energy levels, rebuilding blood, and treating depression and exhaustion. It helps with milk production, scar healing, and sleep.
Every experience is unique and I work to meet each mama where she is on the path to wellness. Baby’s are welcome at our clinic, and we do house calls.
