The whole family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new baby. The birth of a baby spreads joy everywhere. However, there are cases (one in ten women) where the mother's feelings are not pleasant after the birth of the child. Do not panic, you need affection and proper medical care and everything will be fine.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
The first symptoms of postpartum depression appear about a month after the birth of the child. The signs and symptoms are many and the only one responsible for diagnosing this depression is the doctor. But it is useful to know them so that you can seek medical help in time. The symptoms can actually be classified into three groups:
A. Emotional disorders.
Fear that you may harm your baby.
Guilt and shame.
Feelings of exhaustion, "emptiness", sadness.
· You feel confused, panicked and anxious.
· Afraid to be alone or go out of the house.
· You have a permanent bad mood.
· You feel desperate, helpless and helpless.
B. Behavioral disorders.
You do not eat at all or you eat too much.
· You have no interest in any activity.
You sleep too much or have nightmares regularly.
· You do not like to participate in social events.
· You are not interested in your appearance and the hygiene of your body.
· You do not get by in your simple daily activities.
C. Thought disorders.
· Inability to concentrate.
· Poor memory.
· You can not make decisions.
· You feel rejected by your partner.
So if you have any of the above symptoms it would be helpful to consult your doctor early. It does not mean that if you have any of the above symptoms, you have postpartum depression. Many of the above symptoms occur normally in every pregnant woman, such as sleep disorders, reduced energy, etc. Every patient with postpartum depression is unique and the only one who can make the diagnosis is the doctor.
What causes postpartum depression?
Medicine has failed to answer this question. Depression is generally thought to be the result of a disorder of the following hormones in the brain: Serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Most likely, however, the sharp changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body after childbirth play a role in the onset of depression. The levels of the above hormones fall sharply immediately after childbirth. However, the mother's stress also brings about hormonal changes.
Which women are more likely to develop postpartum depression?
They are the women who present one or more of the following.
1. History of postpartum depression.
2. When a close relative suffers from depression.
3. When there are complications during childbirth.
4. Premature or delayed childbirth.
5. Marital problems.
6. Health problems in the newborn.
7. If they already have other psychological problems.
Can the husband also suffer from postpartum depression?
In fact, the father may suffer from depression. In fact, if one of the following conditions exists, the probability is higher in relation to the general population.
1. Unemployed father.
2. Socially isolated.
3. When his wife is depressed.
4. When he is on the verge of divorce with his wife.
What is the treatment for postpartum depression?
Depression can be treated with medication or psychotherapy. In the first phase, the doctor will try to eliminate the symptoms of depression and then he will have to stabilize you until finally a complete cure occurs.
It is also important to take those necessary steps to prevent the disease from recurring. If your doctor decides to prescribe antidepressants, then you should be aware of possible side effects. You should also ask if you can continue breastfeeding. With proper medical care and the help of your spouse, as well as your immediate family environment, you will soon overcome this problem. It usually takes about 3-6 months. In severe cases, where the patient does not respond to treatment, they may need to be hospitalized.
Useful tips - instructions:
What will happen to your baby
The baby itself needs special attention in cases where the mother suffers from postpartum depression. The mother feels inadequate, helpless and often does not meet the demands of the baby. This is why the baby itself may try harder to distract you. If left without medical help the risk of long-term problems in the baby is real. Such problems may be the following:
· Difficulties adapting to changes in the environment.
· She will not be able to easily feel safe in the environment in which she lives.
· Reduced school performance.
· Difficulties at school because he will not be able to concentrate easily.
So you realize that you have a responsibility not only to yourself, but much more to your baby. Therefore, if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, you should seek medical help immediately. Also, if you notice symptoms of postpartum depression in a friend, you should politely urge her to seek medical help. The best and most accurate instructions will be given by your doctor. But below you will find general tips, which are good to follow.
Develop the right relationship with your baby.
i.Feed (it is better to breastfeed) your baby in a quiet place. If you are breastfeeding, you prefer frequent meals (every 2-3 hours).
ii.Check if the baby has the right temperature, if he is wet and if he is hungry.
iii.If you have other children, spend time with them too.
iv. Hold the baby lovingly in your arms and talk to him. "He understands you."
Useful tips - instructions for yourself.
i.Sleep and rest daily. Take advantage of the time when the baby sleeps and sleep too. If you feel exhausted do not hesitate to seek the help of your partner or another relative or friend.
ii. Go for a walk with your baby and sometimes leave the baby under the supervision of someone else and go for a walk with your spouse.
iii.If you are concerned about anything, talk to your spouse or another person you trust.
iv. Find time to do something you enjoy. For example, read a book, watch a play on TV.
v. Eat satisfactory and special fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
vi.Remember that the birth of a baby brings many changes to you and at home so many things are likely to be normal.
And you husband can help…
i.Listen patiently and understandingly to your wife's feelings.
ii.Avoid criticism.
iii. Try to help her with the housework, but also with the baby.
iv.If you first suspect that your wife needs medical help, encourage her to do so soon.