A considerable number of women experience blues after the baby. While a major cause of these baby blues is the fluctuating hormone levels, the changes in the body and the routine can also be to blame.
However, a certain subset of women then goes on to have postpartum depression. Much like any other mental disease, postpartum depression is a serious ailment with severe consequences.
Postpartum depression symptoms include sleep problems, changes in appetite, guilt and shame, mood problems, fatigue, lack of interest in daily activities, and sadness. In extreme cases, PPD can also lead to postpartum psychosis, in which the life of the mother and the baby is in danger.
The good news is that PPD can be avoided if preemptive preventative steps are taken.
Preventing Postpartum Depression
Check your risk factors
Some women are at a higher risk of getting PPD. Women who have a personal or family history of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, stress, or similar ailments have a higher risk for PPD.
Moreover, women who lack support are also at higher risk for PPD; naturally, when your mind is already tired, the added physical fatigue can take a greater toll on your well-being.
Ask your partner to chip in
Women not only have to care for themselves after the trauma of childbirth, but they also have their house and baby to look after. Those who are working also have the added burden of work.
All these stresses can make it worse for the women, tipping them over into the territory of PPD. Hence, do not try to do everything yourself but ask your partner to also chip in. Get as much help as you can. Do not forgo self-care. The house and its chores can wait, your health is more important.
Be mindful of the signs
Make sure that you are aware of the postpartum depression symptoms, so that if you observe them, you can timely get help. Untreated PPD has grave implications for the well-being of your child and yourself, therefore, being conscious of the symptoms is extremely important.
Share it with others
A salient feature of postpartum depression is the shame and guilt that it brings. Women feel guilty about being bad mothers, and then become ashamed of their feeling.
It helps to have a shoulder to lean on. So, talk to your loved ones about what is plaguing you. They can offer you comfort and help that can aid in improving the symptoms of PPD.
Work on self-care
It also helps to practice self-care principles that can improve your mood and outlook. When after approved by your doctor, get in a little exercise, as it helps in lowering your stress levels. Try mindfulness and meditation to keep your mental health in check.
Similarly, do activities that give you pleasure like putting on nice clothes, taking a bath, pampering your skin, etc.
Keep your doctor in the loop
It is vital that if you have a history of depression or anxiety, you keep your doctor in the loop. They should know beforehand about your ailment so they can timely intervene to prevent postpartum depression. Speaking of doctor, you can visit fitcyhealth.com to get in touch with highly professional doctors for postpartum depression.
