Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a type of condition that a section of women suffer after they have delivered. It affects their mood and makes them very anxious, sad and then makes them extremely tired. The signs of this condition can be so intense that it can obstruct a mother’s day to day responsibility to her baby and herself.

IS IT A MENTAL CONDITION?

Postpartum depression falls within the sphere of mental health and warrants a good and appropriate treatment after a good diagnosis has been done by a professional.

When a mom is extremely sad and they is depressed, you can’t simply talk her out of it. It is a serious mental health condition and needs medical attention.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

So during pregnancy and delivery, your body’s hormones will change just to prepare for the new family member. A lot of sleeplessness will lead to some stressful moments. Sleeplessness leads to stress. Now, all these will culminate into some sad and depressed moments after delivery. It is therefore normal, however when it continues for more than eight (8) days then what is called Postpartum Depression (PPD) sets in. Two different hormones, one called estrogen and the other progesterone decrease in quantity during pregnancy and delivery. It is this change that causes the changes in mood. Appropriate treatment and the right type of therapy will help a new mom to become well.

One of the things that contributes to postpartum depression is too much or too little sleep, but mostly too little.

This is because as a new mother, you will be required to wake up several times to feed your baby, this makes you feel very stressed up and contributes immensely.

EFFECTS ON APPETITE

It is very possible for depression to affect how a new mother eats, if you are a new mom, postpartum depression could make you eat too much or too little. In fact, you could loose your your appetite all together. When you get pregnant and give birth, you get deprived of some nutrients. It is therefore important for you to have enough nutrition while pregnant and very good dieting too after delivery. Most women do exclusive breastfeeding of late, and it is important to have a good diet all the time in such cases. During postpartum times, you even need more nutrients.

MOOD SWINGS MAY HAPPEN

It is worth noting that a woman suffering from PPD will be seen laughing and the next minute crying or happy and then angry. These are mood swings that go with PPD, it is crucial to note these things so that if you are going through it or a loved one is going through it, you can understand them.

WHAT TO DO

If you find yourself going through PPD, please report to your doctor, if your sister, friend, relative or loved one is going through this condition, know that it is a real mental health condition that requires medical attention. Don’t brush it off. Report for immediate attention.