Having a baby can bring about many different emotions in a new mother. Sometimes, it can bring about feelings of joy, and other times it may bring about feelings of fear. From time to time, mothers will experience what is known as the baby blues. When it is really severe, or lasts for a long period of time, it is known as postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can begin anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months after the birth of the baby. Usually, it starts closer to a few weeks after the birth. It can last for several months, but can stick around for over a year.
Postpartum depression is something that is very normal for mothers to experience. It does not mean that the mother is weak. It is also not anything that she should be ashamed of. The good news is that postpartum depression can be treated early and the mom will be ready to enjoy motherhood again.
Causes
There are not really any known medical causes of postpartum depression, other than changes in the levels of certain hormones. Medical professionals have also identified other causes which differ from one case to another. Many women are anxious about caring for their newborn. Others have difficulty seeing themselves as mothers. There are also those who worry about their looks. Lifestyle problems such as change in the daily routine, lack of sufficient sleep and financial difficulties can also cause depression.
Symptoms
The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to those of other forms of the condition. They can vary between women too. The most common ones include sadness, anxiety, mood swings and crying.
Prevention and Treatment
The good news is that new mothers have a lot of options when it comes to the prevention and treatment of this condition. It is very good to do anything and everything to prevent it, and treat it as soon as it is noticed.
There are simple measures which can help you prevent this condition. You should try to manage your time effectively, get sufficient rest, have a healthy diet and drink sufficient amounts of water. You should talk to your doctor who can provide individual prevention advice.
The main medical treatment options include counseling, antidepressants and hormonal therapy. Most doctors, however, prefer to start the treatment with lifestyle changes including the ones used for prevention. The important thing is to try to stay positive, share with others and be realistic about your role as a mom.
Postpartum depression is typically not serious and can be effectively prevented and treated.
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