Preventing Postpartum Depression Strategies and Tips
Pregnancy might feel like a lot with all of the prenatal checkups, healthy eating, exercise, and attempting to get enough sleep with your increasing tummy. Concerning yourself and your unborn child's health both during and after pregnancy should be added to the list. Pregnant women frequently worry about postpartum depression (PPD), which affects 1 in 9 new mothers.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is postpartum depression?
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?
Postpartum psychosis vs. postpartum depression (PPD)
What causes postpartum depression (PPD)?
What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?
What can I do to avoid postpartum depression (PPD)?
How is postpartum depression (PPD) treated?
What is postpartum depression?
It's important to comprehend postpartum depression, a mental health problem that affects a lot of women, as well as its causes and potential symptoms.
Both parents may experience a wave of emotions following the birth of a new child. In the weeks immediately following childbirth, mood swings, melancholy, and elevated emotions are frequent. Additionally, you may not immediately sense a bond with your child. These emotions are commonly known as the "baby blues" and can be rather common.
But if these feelings are severe, persist for more than two weeks, or you worry that you could hurt your child or yourself, you might be suffering from post-partum depression.
A particular kind of depression known as postpartum depression can manifest as late as six months after giving child, but it usually starts as early as four weeks after delivery. While there are certain signs of post-partum depression that are similar to those of depression, there may also be more severe symptoms that have an impact on the health of the mother and child. Postpartum depression, which begins during pregnancy and may persist after delivery, is also known as postnatal depression or "peripartum depression."
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?
Each person will experience postpartum depression symptoms differently and in varying degrees. Being a mother can be difficult, especially in the beginning. However, if you're experiencing difficulties caring for your child or yourself, or if you're having suicidal thoughts, get help immediately from your healthcare provider or dial the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which provides round-the-clock support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Here are the most common symptoms of PPD:
- Hopelessness
- Sadness
- Excessive crying
- Irrational anger
- Decreased interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling withdrawn from social support
- Trouble bonding with baby
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
- Headaches and body aches
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Feeling like a failure as a mother
Postpartum psychosis vs. postpartum depression (PPD)
A rare disorder called postpartum psychosis usually manifests in the first week following delivery. Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis can include compulsive thoughts about the infant, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and delusions of killing oneself or the baby.
While postpartum psychosis can be frightening, treatment is effective, so it's critical to get help as soon as possible. If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from postpartum psychosis, give your healthcare physician a call or use the 988 suicide and crisis prevention hotline.
What causes postpartum depression (PPD)?
An identifiable etiology for postpartum depression does not exist. Scientists believe that genetics, hormone fluctuations, and other factors may contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
Hormone fluctuations
Your hormone levels are at their peak during pregnancy. After giving delivery, they drop significantly, which might cause some of the typical symptoms of the baby blues. Researchers believe that changes in hormones, particularly a decrease in progesterone, may also play a role in the development of postpartum depression (PPD).
But PPD and the baby blues are not exclusive to parents who are giving birth. As a major life event, the delivery of a new baby can cause changes in mood or mental health concerns for any new parent.
Genetics
Despite the fact that particular genes linked to the development of postpartum depression (PPD) have not yet been identified, experts believe that a genetic component may be at work that predisposes some women to postpartum depression (PPD).
What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?
One in seven women receive a PPD diagnosis. It's among the most typical pregnancy-related issues. PPD can be diagnosed in any new mother, however several variables can raise the likelihood of getting the illness:
- Diagnoses of depression during pregnancy (perinatal depression)
- History of depression or other mood disorders, like bipolar disorder
- Family history of postpartum depression
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Experiencing abuse during pregnancy or a history of abuse
- High stress
- Childcare stress
- Hesitancy about motherhood
- Lack of social support
- Dissatisfaction with your partner
- Income level
- Confidence in your ability to take care of your baby
- Traumatic birth or labor that didn’t go according to plan
What can I do to avoid postpartum depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression and other mental health conditions are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.
Stay in touch with your doctor
The majority of your doctor's visits will be spent discussing your expanding tummy, but prenatal and postpartum treatment also heavily emphasizes mental wellness. As part of your prenatal and postnatal check-ups, your doctor or obstetrician will screen you for postpartum depression (PPD). Therefore, it's critical that you attend all of your appointments and follow-ups and that you contact your doctor if you feel unwell or find it difficult to go about your daily life due to your mental health.
After your kid is delivered, your child's pediatrician could also ask you how you're feeling. Recall that PPD doesn't usually manifest itself immediately. Up to six months after having birth, symptoms could appear.
Seek support from loved ones
The adage "it takes a village to raise a child" is probably familiar to you. This adage is still used today for a reason. Having a support network is important when it comes to parenthood and can enhance mental health.
Get in touch with your partner, your family, or your friends if you have the option. They will be there to assist you during the postpartum period. Tell them how they may assist you in feeling less stressed. Although it may seem difficult to ask for aid, the majority of individuals are eager to do so!
Find a support group
You can get help from people outside of your immediate family throughout the postpartum phase. Having someone to talk to when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed is helpful, even if you don't have assistance changing diapers or giving late-night feedings. Making new friends might also be facilitated by joining support groups for new mothers. Use your imagination to find local walking clubs, pregnancy or postnatal exercise classes, or organizations.
Stick to your treatment plan
Depression either before or during pregnancy may make PPD more likely to occur. By following your doctor's recommendations for any medications or treatments during pregnancy, you can lower your risk. Using antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation is safe for many people. If your treatment plan calls for medication, talk to your doctor about the medication(s) you feel most comfortable using.
Practice self-care during pregnancy and postpartum
It can be challenging to eat healthily and maintain an active lifestyle during pregnancy due to the nausea, exhaustion, and other digestive problems that come with growing a human. Try your hardest! It's critical to take steps to control your stress because it can raise your risk of developing PPD. Make time to unwind and schedule things that will put you at ease. That could entail going for a stroll outside or just lounging on the couch and watching TV.
Prepare for motherhood
This one may seem intimidating because you may never feel completely ready to become a new mother, but that's good! However, take steps to address any questions you may have about your capacity to parent or your ability to be a "good" mom before the baby is born.
This could entail discussing your worries with your spouse, seeing a therapist, reading parenting literature, or enrolling in a prenatal course. In either case, make every effort to be ready for the baby's arrival so that you will be comfortable taking care of your child. You may be able to lower your chance of developing postpartum depression (PPD). You're already doing really well if you're reading this site!
Seek professional help if you need it
It's critical to get treatment as soon as you suspect you may have postpartum depression. You cannot force yourself to get over or tough out PPD. Regaining your sense of self is possible with treatment that is effective.
How is postpartum depression (PPD) treated?
Talk therapy
Similar to CBT, talk therapy is typically the primary line of treatment for postpartum depression. If you do not already have a therapist before giving birth, ask your obstetrician or primary care physician for a recommendation. To get a list of therapists who are in-network, you may also inquire with your insurance provider.
You could think that you don't have time to see a therapist as a new mother. That makes perfect sense. Fortunately, there are several choices available for virtual treatment, so you can continue to see your doctor virtually without ever leaving your house—or your new baby.
Medications
Your healthcare professional may suggest specific medications as part of your treatment plan, based on your needs and symptoms. You might be concerned about how taking medication would effect your unborn child if you're nursing. Have a conversation with your supplier. There are a lot of drugs that are safe for nursing moms to take.
Soula app
Soula app here 24/7 to provide women with emotional and informational support during the most challenging periods of their lives, aiming to prevent anxiety, burnout, and depression through neuroscience techniques and conversational AI.
Pregnancy might feel like a lot with all of the prenatal checkups, healthy eating, exercise, and attempting to get enough sleep with your increasing tummy. Concerning yourself and your unborn child's health both during and after pregnancy should be added to the list. Pregnant women frequently worry about postpartum depression (PPD), which affects 1 in 9 new mothers.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is postpartum depression?
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?
Postpartum psychosis vs. postpartum depression (PPD)
What causes postpartum depression (PPD)?
What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?
What can I do to avoid postpartum depression (PPD)?
How is postpartum depression (PPD) treated?
What is postpartum depression?
It's important to comprehend postpartum depression, a mental health problem that affects a lot of women, as well as its causes and potential symptoms.
Both parents may experience a wave of emotions following the birth of a new child. In the weeks immediately following childbirth, mood swings, melancholy, and elevated emotions are frequent. Additionally, you may not immediately sense a bond with your child. These emotions are commonly known as the "baby blues" and can be rather common.
But if these feelings are severe, persist for more than two weeks, or you worry that you could hurt your child or yourself, you might be suffering from post-partum depression.
A particular kind of depression known as postpartum depression can manifest as late as six months after giving child, but it usually starts as early as four weeks after delivery. While there are certain signs of post-partum depression that are similar to those of depression, there may also be more severe symptoms that have an impact on the health of the mother and child. Postpartum depression, which begins during pregnancy and may persist after delivery, is also known as postnatal depression or "peripartum depression."
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?
Each person will experience postpartum depression symptoms differently and in varying degrees. Being a mother can be difficult, especially in the beginning. However, if you're experiencing difficulties caring for your child or yourself, or if you're having suicidal thoughts, get help immediately from your healthcare provider or dial the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which provides round-the-clock support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Here are the most common symptoms of PPD:
- Hopelessness
- Sadness
- Excessive crying
- Irrational anger
- Decreased interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling withdrawn from social support
- Trouble bonding with baby
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
- Headaches and body aches
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Feeling like a failure as a mother
Postpartum psychosis vs. postpartum depression (PPD)
A rare disorder called postpartum psychosis usually manifests in the first week following delivery. Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis can include compulsive thoughts about the infant, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and delusions of killing oneself or the baby.
While postpartum psychosis can be frightening, treatment is effective, so it's critical to get help as soon as possible. If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from postpartum psychosis, give your healthcare physician a call or use the 988 suicide and crisis prevention hotline.
What causes postpartum depression (PPD)?
An identifiable etiology for postpartum depression does not exist. Scientists believe that genetics, hormone fluctuations, and other factors may contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
Hormone fluctuations
Your hormone levels are at their peak during pregnancy. After giving delivery, they drop significantly, which might cause some of the typical symptoms of the baby blues. Researchers believe that changes in hormones, particularly a decrease in progesterone, may also play a role in the development of postpartum depression (PPD).
But PPD and the baby blues are not exclusive to parents who are giving birth. As a major life event, the delivery of a new baby can cause changes in mood or mental health concerns for any new parent.
Genetics
Despite the fact that particular genes linked to the development of postpartum depression (PPD) have not yet been identified, experts believe that a genetic component may be at work that predisposes some women to postpartum depression (PPD).
What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?
One in seven women receive a PPD diagnosis. It's among the most typical pregnancy-related issues. PPD can be diagnosed in any new mother, however several variables can raise the likelihood of getting the illness:
- Diagnoses of depression during pregnancy (perinatal depression)
- History of depression or other mood disorders, like bipolar disorder
- Family history of postpartum depression
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Experiencing abuse during pregnancy or a history of abuse
- High stress
- Childcare stress
- Hesitancy about motherhood
- Lack of social support
- Dissatisfaction with your partner
- Income level
- Confidence in your ability to take care of your baby
- Traumatic birth or labor that didn’t go according to plan
What can I do to avoid postpartum depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression and other mental health conditions are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.
Stay in touch with your doctor
The majority of your doctor's visits will be spent discussing your expanding tummy, but prenatal and postpartum treatment also heavily emphasizes mental wellness. As part of your prenatal and postnatal check-ups, your doctor or obstetrician will screen you for postpartum depression (PPD). Therefore, it's critical that you attend all of your appointments and follow-ups and that you contact your doctor if you feel unwell or find it difficult to go about your daily life due to your mental health.
After your kid is delivered, your child's pediatrician could also ask you how you're feeling. Recall that PPD doesn't usually manifest itself immediately. Up to six months after having birth, symptoms could appear.
Seek support from loved ones
The adage "it takes a village to raise a child" is probably familiar to you. This adage is still used today for a reason. Having a support network is important when it comes to parenthood and can enhance mental health.
Get in touch with your partner, your family, or your friends if you have the option. They will be there to assist you during the postpartum period. Tell them how they may assist you in feeling less stressed. Although it may seem difficult to ask for aid, the majority of individuals are eager to do so!
Find a support group
You can get help from people outside of your immediate family throughout the postpartum phase. Having someone to talk to when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed is helpful, even if you don't have assistance changing diapers or giving late-night feedings. Making new friends might also be facilitated by joining support groups for new mothers. Use your imagination to find local walking clubs, pregnancy or postnatal exercise classes, or organizations.
Stick to your treatment plan
Depression either before or during pregnancy may make PPD more likely to occur. By following your doctor's recommendations for any medications or treatments during pregnancy, you can lower your risk. Using antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation is safe for many people. If your treatment plan calls for medication, talk to your doctor about the medication(s) you feel most comfortable using.
Practice self-care during pregnancy and postpartum
It can be challenging to eat healthily and maintain an active lifestyle during pregnancy due to the nausea, exhaustion, and other digestive problems that come with growing a human. Try your hardest! It's critical to take steps to control your stress because it can raise your risk of developing PPD. Make time to unwind and schedule things that will put you at ease. That could entail going for a stroll outside or just lounging on the couch and watching TV.
Prepare for motherhood
This one may seem intimidating because you may never feel completely ready to become a new mother, but that's good! However, take steps to address any questions you may have about your capacity to parent or your ability to be a "good" mom before the baby is born.
This could entail discussing your worries with your spouse, seeing a therapist, reading parenting literature, or enrolling in a prenatal course. In either case, make every effort to be ready for the baby's arrival so that you will be comfortable taking care of your child. You may be able to lower your chance of developing postpartum depression (PPD). You're already doing really well if you're reading this site!
Seek professional help if you need it
It's critical to get treatment as soon as you suspect you may have postpartum depression. You cannot force yourself to get over or tough out PPD. Regaining your sense of self is possible with treatment that is effective.
How is postpartum depression (PPD) treated?
Talk therapy
Similar to CBT, talk therapy is typically the primary line of treatment for postpartum depression. If you do not already have a therapist before giving birth, ask your obstetrician or primary care physician for a recommendation. To get a list of therapists who are in-network, you may also inquire with your insurance provider.
You could think that you don't have time to see a therapist as a new mother. That makes perfect sense. Fortunately, there are several choices available for virtual treatment, so you can continue to see your doctor virtually without ever leaving your house—or your new baby.
Medications
Your healthcare professional may suggest specific medications as part of your treatment plan, based on your needs and symptoms. You might be concerned about how taking medication would effect your unborn child if you're nursing. Have a conversation with your supplier. There are a lot of drugs that are safe for nursing moms to take.
Soula app
Soula app here 24/7 to provide women with emotional and informational support during the most challenging periods of their lives, aiming to prevent anxiety, burnout, and depression through neuroscience techniques and conversational AI.
