Postpartum Depression, commonly termed PPD is a multifaceted symptom of Emotional, behavioral, and Physical changes being faced by a Woman after the birth of a child due to sudden changes in Hormones (mainly Progesterone and Estrogen) in their body leading to Postpartum Depression.
The onset of such symptoms may start from four weeks after delivery and may be there for as long as 3 years too if not been treated.
Signs of Postpartum Depression –
There may be
the following symptoms of this Problem –
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Feels
Lonely - Mood
swings - Feeling
like Crying - Insomnia
- Complains of Body aches and other related problems
- Constant worry.
- Feeling that something
bad is going to happen. - Racing thoughts.
- Disturbances of
appetite and motion. - Inability to sit
still. - Physical symptoms like
dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea
How to avoid Postpartum Depression –
- Educate the Mother about this problem and prepare her from the beginning.
- Along with the Pregnant
lady, the family members of the lady should also be educated. - Eat fresh Fruits and
Vegetables. - Should take adequate
Sleep - Slight Exercise needed
to be done. - Avoid making major
life changes during or right after childbirth. - Let your feelings be
known in the delivery room. - Enlist good support
during birthing. - Prepare yourself well
for childbirth. - Enlist household help
during the postpartum period.
Postpartum Depression is often treated with Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or mental health counseling), medication, or both.
Here are a few steps to cope with postnatal depression, to be used together with guidance and advice from your doctor.
- Build a secure bond
with your baby - Take care of yourself
- Slowly reintroduce
exercise - Build a support
network - Try psychotherapy
- Try Herbal Supplements
like –
- Brahmi
- Shankpushpi
- Jatamansi
- Triphala
- Shatavari
All the above-mentioned herbs are totally safe during lactation and help immensely to fight PPD.
(Please note it is always advisable to consult your physician
before taking any herbs mentioned above).
- Medicated
Abhyanga (Whole Body Massage) with
specific oils like –
Dhanwantaram Oil, Karpooradi oil, etc. also helps a lot.
- Try Pranayamas ( Specific Breathing Techniques) like
- Anulom
Vilom
-
Bhastrika
- Ujjayi
- Must Practice Meditation
Meditation itself is a huge word and it has a Deep to deeper meaning.
Here Meditation means to relax the mind. This meditation helps to control anxiety, calm the mind, induce positive energy, and make the person happier. It alters Mood swings, teaches the person to be patient, and alone meditation with massage can treat Postpartum Depression.
So one must learn how to meditate and implement the same.
What natural postpartum depression treatment
options are available?
- Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to your diet. These are some of the most common supplements used to treat depressive symptoms.
- Bright Light Therapy
is an appealing treatment option because it is safe and light boxes are
available.
- Also, Several lifestyle changes may relieve your symptoms like :
- Take care of your
body. - Try taking long walks
with your baby in a stroller or carrier - Take some time for
yourself. - Set realistic goals.
- Talk about it.
So, finally would like to add that if Postpartum Depression is left untreated, then it can interfere with the bonding of the Mother and the child. It can even increase the chances of the mother to future episodes of Depression. Thus it should be discussed and treated at the earlier stage itself and a wonderful Motherhood should be enjoyed.
Dr. Arindham Chatterjee