Postpartum Wellness Support
Postpartum Depression, commonly termed PPD, is a multifaceted condition involving emotional, behavioral, and physical changes experienced by a woman after the birth of a child due to sudden changes in hormones (mainly Progesterone and Estrogen) in the body, which may contribute to feelings associated with postpartum emotional imbalance.
The onset of such symptoms may start from four weeks after delivery and may continue for an extended period if appropriate support and care are not taken.
Signs of Postpartum Depression –
There may be the following symptoms associated with this condition –
Irritability
Sadness
Feels Lonely
Mood swings
Feeling like Crying
Insomnia
Complaints of Body aches and other related discomforts
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 support emotional wellness after childbirth –
Educate the Mother about this condition 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 managed with Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or mental health counseling), lifestyle support, or guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
Here are a few steps to support emotional balance after childbirth, 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 traditionally used in wellness routines during lactation and may help support emotional wellness and relaxation during the postpartum period.
(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. may help support relaxation and overall wellness.
Try Pranayamas (Specific Breathing Techniques) like
- Anulom Vilom
- Bhastrika
- Ujjayi
Must Practice Meditation
Meditation itself is a huge word and it has a deep meaning.
Here Meditation means to relax the mind. This meditation may help support emotional balance, calm the mind, encourage positive energy, and support overall mental wellness. It may also help in maintaining a balanced mood and promoting patience and relaxation. Meditation along with massage may support overall postpartum wellness routines.
So one must learn how to meditate and implement the same.
What natural postpartum wellness support options are available?
Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to your diet. These are some of the most common supplements included in wellness routines for emotional well-being.
Bright Light Therapy is an appealing wellness support option because it is generally considered safe and light boxes are available.
Also, several lifestyle changes may help support emotional wellness 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 not addressed properly, then it can interfere with the bonding of the Mother and the child. It may also affect the emotional well-being of the mother over time. Thus it should be discussed and professionally supported at an earlier stage itself so that a wonderful Motherhood can be enjoyed.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Dr. Arindham Chatterjee