3 Ways To Counter Post-Partum Depression
3 min read
For a mother, the mere sight of a newborn makes all the difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth fade away. A journey to motherhood is glorious. However, it comes with a set of challenges. The female body undergoes a tremendous change to adapt and provide for a child. Perhaps, the post-partum phase is a physically and mentally challenging phase that comes with fluctuating hormones, stress, and added responsibilities.
Some amount of stress and anxiety are natural after a child’s birth. But, the prolonged feeling of anxiety, sadness, and sleeplessness often lead to depressive thoughts and mood swings. This unaddressed feeling and emotions may eventually turn into postpartum depression (PPD). In such cases, it is essential to seek help, which can be a combination or either of the following things.
1. Medication
Modern science has enabled medicines to treat symptoms and conditions related to PPD. However, any use of medicine comes with challenges and risks for new mothers and babies. Some medications may have side-effects, such as drowsiness and divert concentration extending its ill effect to the breastfed babies. This may be a primary cause of concern that makes women reluctant to use such medication, keeping in view the health of their little ones. Postpartum depression (PPD) can also interfere with breastfeeding as rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce milk supply. If this happens, a breastfeeding mother may consider taking lactation supplements to boost milk production. Visit lovemajka.com to learn more.
Gladly, the treatment of depression is not limited to traditional medicines; the emergence of alternative medications, such as Cannabidiol (CBD), is making a breakthrough in the treatment of depression. CBD is a cannabis derivative that does not show any psychoactive properties or feelings of ‘a high.’ Instead, it shows a plethora of therapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be hugely beneficial for a new mother. Several studies testify about CBD to help relieve insomnia and promote relaxation. You can buy CBD from cannabis Canada to alleviate this issue.
1. Psychotherapy
In some cases, women may face difficulty in developing a bond with their child. They may lose a sense of balance and feel deep sadness and fatigue. They may also lack self-care and face eating disorders. The severity may peak up in some cases where women ideate suicide. Many of these recurring feelings of hollowness can be due to a sudden change in lifestyle, habits, the loss of spontaneity, or stagnancy in the career. Also, there are other sets of challenges that come along with taking care of a newborn. Childcare can also be daunting for new mothers, especially in the initial few months, where the baby struggles to adapt to the environment outside the mother’s womb.
Interpersonal psychotherapy sessions can bring interpersonal skills that can help manage emotions and challenge women to bring focus to their everyday life. A therapist can guide new mothers through the role-transitions by providing adequate care through each phase. Psychotherapy might be a slow process but works effectively in bringing out long term changes in the behaviors of an individual to adapt to the challenges of the changing environment gradually.
1. Social Support
Women often report the lack or absence of social support as one of the major causes of the PPD. It is noteworthy that it is the discrepancy between the desired support and the perception of received support that plays a significant role in the equation. Sometimes, the impaired relationship between family members becomes a major cause of concern for nursing moms. Better communication and support from the family and spouse can help mothers cope better with the stressors of raising a baby. Honing help-seeking behavior by emphasizing on better interpersonal communication can help settle adjustment issues among new parents.
The Bottom Line
Despite several women reporting signs of PPD, many cases go unreported. Sadly, taking professional help for its management is still a taboo globally. Better social support systems, along with the safe administration of medication can help women cope better with the baby blues. Seeking professional help and signing up for psychotherapy is a win-win situation, where you can learn some good parenting techniques along with the right support system for your mental health.
About Author
