The birth of a child is one of the most exciting and beautiful moments in a family's life. You look forward to the new family member long in advance and are more and more excited as the due date approaches. In the weeks before the birth, the nursery is often prepared and as parents-to-be, you don't even have time to think because of all the tasks and things to do. It is always assumed that women revel in the joy of motherhood after giving birth. But what if these feelings are not there? Depression, exhaustion and sadness can occur after giving birth. In such a case, we speak of postnatal depression. We at PAULI&CO have looked into the topic and want to give you the most important insights.
What is postpartum depression?
That definitely won't happen to me! That's probably what many expectant mothers think. However, the statistics on the frequency of postpartum depression are different. According to the Health Knowledge Foundation, the numbers fluctuate. On average, however, it is assumed that around eight percent of 100 women suffer from postpartum depression.
In postpartum depression, the mother's negative feelings after the birth predominate, so that the typical feeling of happiness no longer occurs. These developments cannot be compared with the baby blues, as this leads to a depressive mood. These feelings are weaker than those of depression.
Postpartum depression can be associated with feelings of shame and guilt for the women affected, because they often develop the feeling that they cannot be a good mother. However, the illness is not their own fault. It is important for you as a partner to approach your partner at this time and show understanding.
How do you recognize postpartum depression
How can you or those around you recognize postpartum depression? The signs are similar to normal depression, but the impact can vary from person to person. Most women report feeling extremely depressed and sad.
Fears and hopelessness can also be present. Sometimes women are extremely irritable and overwhelmed during this phase, so that they feel like they cannot do justice to their child. Depression can have many symptoms. Huge self-doubt and fears also play a role. Postpartum depression is not easy to recognize. Overtiredness and overexertion can occur, especially in the beginning, even in mentally healthy people.
Difference between postpartum depression and baby blues
These two terms are often confused. However, there are clear differences that we would like to explain to you so that you do not draw the wrong conclusions.
Around every second mother experiences a drop in mood in the first few days after giving birth. Some mothers feel overwhelmed, overtired and exhausted. These feelings are completely normal, because giving birth always brings with it changes. In this case, we speak of baby blues, which ideally disappears after a good two weeks.
If these symptoms persist for a longer period of time and become more frequent or more intense, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. In this case, you should take action, because postpartum depression is a burden on those affected.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
Science and medicine are not yet fully in agreement about how exactly postpartum depression can develop. Current knowledge suggests that there is not just one trigger, but that various factors play a role. In addition to the hormonal changes that birth brings with it, genetic predispositions can also be an issue. There are also external influences that can also contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
- Lack of support
- Emotional or physical abuse
- Pre-existing medical conditions (depression, anxiety disorders)
- Stressful life events such as conflicts
Especially shortly after pregnancy, when you are at home with your new family member, everyday life and worry about your child often collide. Many children seek intensive contact with their parents, so that you may sometimes have the feeling that your child is clinging to you. You feel like you can't do anything else other than carry your baby around or calm it down. Get yourself some aids for these moments, such as an electric cradle. Which You can read about the advantages of the hammock in our blog.
diagnosis of postpartum depression
If postpartum depression is suspected, only a doctor can make a complete diagnosis. A detailed conversation and completing a questionnaire will quickly provide certainty. The questionnaire contains information that specifically relates to feelings during depression, so that signs can be recognized quite quickly.
If you feel that you are suffering from postpartum depression, you should not put off going to the doctor for too long. Often, those affected cannot go through this alone, which is why it is helpful to know that their partner is by their side. Where can you get help? Midwives or gynecologists take care of preventive and aftercare in the first few weeks after the birth. They can be your first port of call.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Postpartum depression can be treated in different ways. Psychotherapy methods or medication are available. The aim of therapy and treatment is to make the symptoms disappear completely or at least to alleviate them. Those affected should be given the opportunity to cope with everyday life normally again.
Anyone who opts for drug treatment will be prescribed antidepressants by their doctor. These are intended to compensate for the lack of neurotransmitters in the brain (dopamine, serotonin), which supposedly leads to a better feeling of well-being. The doctor decides whether antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding. It is generally assumed that some of the active ingredients can be passed on to the child through breast milk.
Alternatively, you can resort to various forms of therapy:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy : This form attempts to find out which thoughts and behaviors contribute to the disease existing or breaking out. Appropriate countermeasures can then be initiated on the basis of the findings.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy : This is only used when it is known that individual life circumstances are involved in the illness. It involves treating and resolving conflicts that contribute to depression.
Both forms of treatment are treated in psychotherapy. In order to see a psychologist, you need a referral, which you can get from your family doctor or gynecologist.
Tip: What else can you do to treat postpartum depression? Doctors recommend sport and exercise. Appropriate exercise can release serotonin in the body, which can help against depression. If the condition is severe, this will not be enough, but it can help. Exercise at home also helps. Your child can sleep peacefully in the electric cradle during the yoga session or the light exercise program, while you as mothers focus on your health.
