Postnatal depression is a type of depression that happens after having a baby. The symptoms of postnatal depression are the same as any depression. They include feeling low in mood and losing interest in things that are normally enjoyable. These feelings usually start within the first three months after having a baby. It is also likely to have postnatal depression that starts later, but if the indications begin more than a year after a woman has given birth then it is unlikely to be called postnatal depression.
After having a baby women very often experience an emotional situation that is called the “baby blues”. This is a mild form of depression and happens in almost every mother during the first few days after they have had their babies. When experiencing the “baby blues” mothers usually feel very emotional and can burst into tears for no particular reason. New mothers also often feel anxious, excited, and exhausted and may have difficulty sleeping.
Doctors think that the immediate changes in hormone levels around the time of birth bring on the baby blues, but there may also be other causes, such as the trauma of the birth itself and the change a new baby can bring. The blues usually last for a couple of days and then fade away as quickly as they came. They are not a cause for concern unless the feelings continue or get worse, in which case they may be the start of postnatal depression.
What are the symptoms of postnatal depression?
Women name a number of symptoms, most of which are written below. These symptoms can feel quite overwhelming at a time when a new baby needs so much care and attention.
Emotion or feeling |
Physical or body signs |
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Thinking |
Behavior |
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When people are depressed, they become “specialists” in thinking in a very negative, discouraging way. Thought for a depressed mom looks like these:
“I’m a very bad mother”, “I can’t do anything, “I’m not able to feed my baby”, “It’s my fault”, “Things are never going to get any better”, “Things are hopeless”. “The baby would be better without me”, “Everyone else is coping, I’m not able to cope, so I’m worthless” I’m a terrible mother”
Every pregnant woman should be aware of the above symptoms of postnatal depression. Even before the baby is born, she should know that will expect a big change in her life. New mothers experience biological, physical, emotional, and social changes.
Many new mothers do not know what is normal and what to expect. Therefore it is good to prepare mentally before the baby is born. Motherhood is not easy but it is the most beautiful thing a woman will experience in life. With the birth of your baby, you will receive an unconditional love that will never fade no matter how old your baby is.
But you should know that some mothers often do not experience the feelings they expected when they had a baby. When they first hold their baby, many women do not feel a huge rush of motherly love. They just feel tired and a bit detached. This is completely normal. Some mothers really love their baby at first sight, but other mothers do not have such feelings in the beginning. Love develops gradually in them and becomes bigger day by day. And that is completely normal.
Remember that perfect mother do not exist. So do not compare yourself with other mothers. We advise you to become aware of what expects you and to believe in yourself that you will cope with all possible challenges.
4 tips to become aware of postnatal depression
1.While still pregnant, connect with mothers who have babies and find out about their experience. Of course, their experience will not be exactly the same as yours because every mother is unique. But ask them how they coped with the change, how they organized their lives after the birth of their baby. Ask them what helped them to balance their moods and how they coped. You do not take their answers for granted but still think about their experience and what might be useful to you. Find self-help books about this subject and educate yourself on best practices. Be aware of your expectations and how realistic they are. Do not be discouraged, it is good to motivate yourself. Repeat to yourself every day: “Everything will be fine, I will cope with every challenge.”
2. After birth, take time for yourself. Relax even for half an hour. Keep doing things that you enjoy. At first, you may not be able to do them as long as before, but with good planning and help from your husband and parents, you will be able to increase that time. Do not cut relationships with your friends. Communicate daily, even briefly. At the end of the day, brag about what you did that day. It is good to take care of yourself and your feelings and mood every day. So look in yourself every day and ask yourself: How do I feel today? From the answer to this question, you will know what to do. If you do not feel well you can do something to improve it. What did you do before?
3. Be aware that after birth you may or may not experience a change in your emotional response. You may be scared, with various feelings and that’s OK. You already know that a change in hormones after the birth of your baby can be the cause. It is good to know how you react and whether you are preoccupied with the thought that you are not a good mother. The best way to do this is to tell your loved ones what is going on in your head. Share your thoughts with the people close to you.
4. You should know that people often don’t recognize symptoms of postnatal depression. Because it happens at a time of great change, and new mothers often don’t know what is normal, or what to expect. The problem can creep on slowly, and often mothers think they are just not coping, rather than recognizing that they are suffering from postnatal depression.
Asking for help means you are brave and strong and responsible for yourself. If you keep in mind this statement, asking for help for postnatal depression will become the same as asking for help from a dentist. Remember that postnatal depression responds very well to treatment and most people recover quickly.
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