Motherhood is a significant event in a woman’s life. Being a mother is a challenging task by any means. On the contrary, it’s one of the most complex and joyful experiences a woman can go through.
You could be delighted at this point, which is excellent. On the other hand, you could be feeling overwhelmed. You might also feel unworthy of having a child or being a caring mother.
No matter which emotions you relate to, know that it’s all-natural and understandable. However, If you have been feeling low for a long period, it’s a cause for concern.
That said, we present different postpartum challenges and possible solutions to you.
Baby Blues or Postpartum Blues
New mothers experience baby blues in the first week after giving birth. 4 out of 5 new mothers experience baby blues. While you might feel that wealthy mothers might not share this, that’s untrue. If you find a new mother crying for prolonged periods, anxious, or sad, she may suffer.
Baby Blues can affect new mothers regardless of income, age, education, or culture. It’s a highly unpleasant feeling. On the bright side, it usually disappears within 1 or 2 weeks. Now the question arises, what can be done about it?
Here’s what you can do-
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Get proper sleep- Taking care of a young baby is a rewarding experience but it’s also physically and emotionally draining. Getting adequate sleep will improve your situation.
- Some sleeping positions are more beneficial than others. It is essential for mothers who have gone through C-sections. Having the correct sleeping posture after C-sections can make a huge difference for such mothers.
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Take help from family and friends- Some mothers feel embarrassed about asking for help from their loved ones. They think that it makes them look weak. That couldn’t be further from the truth, though.
- Everyone knows how tough it is to be a mother; the right people will always be there for you. By accepting help, you can get the precious physical and mental rest you deserve at this crucial time.
- If you have issues with breastfeeding, you should ask for professional help. Research the best lactation consultants in your area and reach out to them.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression usually begins within three months after childbirth but can even occur after a year. Unlike Postpartum blues, postpartum depression doesn’t go away in a week or two. As a matter, it can last for years if untreated.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Feeling sad, anxious, nervous, or overwhelmed often
- Crying frequently
- Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
- Weight loss without trying
- Not having an interest in your child
- Low on motivation or general interest in things
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia and overthinking
The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown. However, it’s more likely to occur if-
- You previously had postpartum depression.
- You’re in a stressful relationship or marriage
- You have few friends and family members you can count on
- You had a stressful time during or after childbirth. Examples include being severely ill during pregnancy or a stressful delivery.
Postpartum depression is treated with Psychotherapy or a combination of medicines and therapy. Psychotherapists can help mothers by listening to them and slowly finding ways to make them feel better.
Some cases are more complicated than others, like a person might suffer from a severe case of insomnia along with postpartum depression. In such cases, the doctor might add medicines to your treatment.
Additionally, the doctor might also add an antidepressant. However, antidepressants aren’t risk-free. For instance, if you are breastfeeding, antidepressants will enter your breast milk. While most antidepressants will have little risk of side effects on your baby, you should talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.
Apart from professional help, here’s what you can do-
Rest And Exercise
If you’re tired, you don’t put your body in the correct position to fight postpartum depression. Therefore, it’s vital to rest to recharge your batteries. Similarly, exercise is of prime importance, as it releases Endorphins. Also called the feel-good hormone, it reduces stress and improves mood.
Consume A Balanced Diet
Sure, having a balanced diet won’t treat postpartum depression, but it helps. At such a crucial time, consuming the proper diet is essential and putting yourself in the best position to deal with postpartum depression. After all, you don’t want to suffer from nutrient deficiency and add another worry to your list.
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a severe form of postpartum depression. In this case, immediate medical care is required. The chances of this happening are low, as it only affects 1 out of 1000 new mothers.
Under this condition, new mothers have an increased risk of hurting themselves or their children. Therefore, in most cases, urgent hospitalization is needed. Psychotherapy and medication are also required to treat patients suffering from this crucial condition.
Some symptoms of postpartum depression are:
- Confusion
- Feeling hopeless
- Insomnia
- Delusions
- Rapid Speech
Conclusion
Motherhood brings not only unparalleled happiness but also several challenges. New mothers can suffer from Postpartum blues, depression, or psychosis. Postpartum blues disappear within a week or two, but the other conditions are more serious.
Always be cautious about the symptoms and seek professional help if needed. In postpartum psychosis, immediate medical attention is required on most occasions.
Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.