Postpartum. The word postpartum is applied to the mean the time after you have delivered your baby. And it normally is associated with the depression that mothers suffer after they have given birth.
Because of the rampant waking up at night to breastfeed, change baby’s diapers and all that, new mothers often do not have enough sleep.
This situation coupled with hormonal changes can be serious, and when this happens beyond one week, it is considered a mental health issue.
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.
If you are a new mother, and you experience any such condition after birth, please consult your doctor immediately.