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The birth of a baby is often celebrated with a whole lot of joy and excitement by the entire family. Each one of your friends & family members would try to be the first in line to congratulate you for bringing a new life into the world. But is that the whole truth?
The emotional state and well-being of mothers - both during & after pregnancy often goes unnoticed by a lot of people. Having a baby can be incredibly stressful for both new as well as experienced mothers leading to postpartum depression or baby blues.
Nearly 60% of women in India undergo a form of depression (baby blues) immediately after childbirth (according to a study done by the WHO). Chances are that as a mother, you would experience it too.
The worst part about Postpartum depression is that it can cause a lot of trouble in bonding with your baby - even though you love your baby a lot and are quite excited to be a new mother.
Are you (or someone you know) going through postpartum depression? In this article, we will address how to cope with baby blues along with the do’s & don'ts that you must know during your recovery. So read along if you want to know more.
Table of contents:
What does postpartum depression feel like?
It includes lots of sleepless nights, crying, sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, depression, a poor appetite, burden of new responsibilities, a feeling of inadequacy, physical & hormonal changes, and the list goes on.
To add to this, you would not even get enough time for yourself since you have to care for your baby. It can feel quite overwhelming when all of this hits you all at once.
There are quite a few types of mental health issues commonly related to pregnancy such as;
Perinatal Depression - depression before, during & after pregnancy.
Antenatal Depression - depression only during pregnancy.
Postpartum Depression - depression only after pregnancy.
Baby Blues - sadness, irritability, & sleeping problems.
It is quite common to experience baby blues within the first couple of days of giving birth, and it is highly likely that you might start feeling tearful and emotionally weak.
Baby blues usually peak towards the 1st week of postpartum & gradually subside towards the 2nd week - provided that you take good care of your mental & physical health.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
In case you are experiencing any of the below symptoms of postpartum depression, then please seek immediate medical care:
A feeling of being overwhelmed with sadness.
Being worried, scared, and panicked for no reason.
Crying a lot and feeling hopeless.
Blaming yourself unnecessarily.
Being angry and irritable.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Eating too much or too little.
Difficulty in concentrating.
Being lonely and away from friends & family.
Not feeling attached to your baby.
Feeling dull and boring, lacking enthusiasm.
What is the best treatment for postpartum depression?
Even though there are quite a few clinical treatments for postpartum depression, they aren’t as effective as compared to their natural alternatives such as; meditation, exercising, and massage therapies.
Your doctor might prescribe you some antidepressants that would make you feel good, but only as long as you are taking those pills.
The best way to recover completely from antenatal depression is a drastic positive change in your lifestyle. Below are some effective ways to help you get started;
Seek counseling from someone you trust - It could be a close friend, family member, or even a psychiatrist. Don’t shy away from asking for help.
Pamper yourself & Improve your self-care routine - Get lots of sleep, eat well, exercise, and take time to relax. One of the best ways to rejuvenate is through postnatal massages.
Be more social and ask for support - Try joining pregnancy-related groups, it doesn't matter if it’s online or offline. You will find people in the same situation that you are in. Also, get in touch with family & old friends.
Try to bond with your baby - Having a strong & positive bond with your baby can help you overcome postpartum depression in a jiffy. The best way to do so is through baby massages. Since touch is your baby's first language.
Soothing massages play a vital role in regulating your mood, appetite, and sleep patterns. At Pink Orchid, we aim to bring such a positive change in your lifestyle with holistic pre & post-natal massage treatments (exclusively for mothers & babies).
Our sessions are designed by keeping all kinds of issues that new mothers experience at the forefront, which include; swelling, backache, depression, anxiety, and more.
Each of our luxury massage sessions starts with an aura cleansing followed by a blissful and relaxing treatment of both your mind & body. Book a session at your home today.
How long can postpartum depression last?
Postpartum depression can last for months or even years together if you do not take proper care of yourself. It’s advised that you seek professional help if you are experiencing symptoms for more than 2 weeks.
Do men experience postpartum depression as well?
Yes, they do. Men are also at risk of developing postpartum depression, especially when their partners are going through it as well. The symptoms are pretty much the same for women which include anxiety, changes in sleeping & eating patterns, etc.
Watching your partner go through this phase can be very difficult. Especially when you expect them to be happy with starting a new life together. The new responsibilities and changes can be overwhelming at first. This is why it is extremely important to take some time for yourself and relax once in a while.
Takeaway
If you are looking to get out of postpartum depression, then the best advice for you would be to try and improve your lifestyle. The most simple & effective way to do so is through professional soothing postnatal massage treatments at your home that help regulate your mood, sleep pattern, and even your appetite.