NEW MOMS AND POST PARTUM DEPRESSION – NOT THEIR FAULT

Becoming a new mom is a life- changing experience. After nine months of anticipation, holding your little one in your arms is a dream come true. But beneath the surface of joy and excitement, many new moms struggle with unexpected emotions. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects countless women worldwide .

As a new mom, you’re expected to feel overjoyed and confident. But the reality is far more complex. The sudden change brings a mix of emotions – anxiety, guilt and uncertainty. It’s like a second birth, where you discover a new version of yourself. This transformation can be overwhelming and it’s essential to acknowledge that post partum depression is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s just a phase that will pass with little precaution, efforts and supports from family. Becoming a new mom going through the tremendous time of labour pain is not easy. And you are brave that you have gone through that phase and still evolving.

What exactly is post partum depression in new moms.

The sudden change in the behaviour of women after childbirth which are hard to explain is called post partum depression. Almost all the women(80%) faces stress, anxiety and restless for some few weeks after the childbirth . This is called postpartum blues or babies blue . It generally goes away within two weeks or few . But , if it persists longer for months with increased symptoms , there is a high chance that you are having postpartum depression and need to be addressed or seek help. It occurs about (15-20%) of women and is often neglected in the society. The women with post partum depression needs proper guidance and support from family, elders and medical professional if needed . One should not neglect it as it can cause long term affect to the women and child.

Reason of post partum depression in new moms

• Changes in harmonal level– one of the main cause of post partum depression is the change in the level of harmones in the women after childbirth. During pregnancy , women’s body produces high level of progesterone and estrogen to facilitate pregnancy. But, It drops sharply after childbirth, as a result leading to the sudden change in behaviour and moond of the women .
• Lack of sleep – after the childbirth , the new mom often suffers from a bit of whirlwind of sleep loss and emotions in the body. This lack of sleep elevates adrenaline harmones and other stress harmones like cortisol. As a result, this leads to the feelings of anxiety and panic.
• Stress– Becoming new moms bring it’s own lists of responsibility with the child . As , women not having proper family support or who are living alone , find it hard to balance all the responsibility. Hence, this leads to the feelings of guilt, stress and worthless.

As we can see, a women goes through such a harsh period of change both in physical and emotional level. It is not easy to cope with all these without support of others . Hence , most of the women falls into the prey of post- partum depression.

Symptoms of post-partum depression

• lack of sleep
• Sudden urge of crying and depression
• Feeling guilty and blaming yourself
• Loss of appetite
• Less urge to socialize
• Feeling irritated with small things
• Feeling hopelessness
• Difficulty in concentration
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Restless
• In extreme cases – urge to harm the baby
• In extreme cases – suicide

What can you do to ease post partum depression

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help – unless you ask for, no one will understand you. If you are feeling tired by regularly looking after your baby. Ask others to look for some time . It’s not a thing to feel guilty of . No human can work regularly without taking an energy break. After the break, you will feel refreshed and can take care of your baby even better way.
• Tips for managing sleep with your baby– If your baby does not sleeps through the night, take turns sleeping with your partner. Alternate nights or shifts to ensure you both get enough rest.
• manage your baby’s schedule– it’s also crucial to manage your baby’s daily routine . Try to limit daytime naps to shorter periods, so your baby sleeps more soundly at night. This will help you get a good night sleep too.
• Spend time in nature – nature is the best therapy which you can’t underestimate. Take a short walk outside either carrying the baby or even alone. In this way, it balances your harmones and uplift your moond instantly . Don’t forget to take sun bath . It is good both for you and your baby.
• socialize – Isolation will not do any good , infact it will increase your irritability and restlessness. Hence, spend time with the people whom you love and feel positively. Engage in some fun talk and activities. Also involve your baby with it . It will boost your as well as baby’s moond as well . .
• Don’t loose hope – No one is a born mother . Motherhood is a journey where the new mom evolve with time and experience. That little baby is only dependent on you . Don’t loose hope . This time will pass soon and you will have a more blissful moments ahead .

When to see a doctor .

In extreme cases when you find in hard to control your anger , feel restlessness and frequent panic attack , you should seek health care professional help. In some cases , women experience an unhealthy thought of harming the baby or himself . Rush to the doctor and have an open conversion with him . Also take some elder or partner with you .

How the doctor will treat you .

The doctor will ask you some physiological questions , will see your condition and can give you either multivitamin or even anti depression tablet if needed . With proper care and guidance , it is harmless

CONCLUSION

It’s crucial to recognize that PPD is not a personal failing. It’s a treatable condition that requires support, understanding, and compassion. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can create a safe space for new moms to open up and seek help.

Let’s work together to break the stigma surrounding PPD and support new moms in their journey. Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.