Motherhood is considered to be one of the best and most cherishable moments in every woman’s life. However, rather sadly, after delivery, everyone discusses the physical health of the mother and infant and not the mental health of newborn mothers. Now, let’s find out what postpartum depression is.
Postpartum depression or psychosis is one of the least discussed issues in our society. These mental disorders should be discussed and talked about not only amongst doctors and psychologists but also among the general public.
Postpartum depression and Symptoms
Postpartum depression is a mental disorder that affects women after post-delivery. After childbirth within two weeks, 8 in 10 mothers suffer from the common depression symptoms called postpartum blues or baby blues. The symptoms associated with postpartum blues are sadness, changes in sleep, eating and eating habits, crying and mood swings, impatience, and restlessness. However, there is no need for taking medication for this disorder and it recovers soon.
Whereas postpartum depression is a serious disorder. Mothers with postpartum depression can suffer severe sadness and tension, which can make it difficult to comply with their daily routines and affects both the mother and infant. It’s symptoms are frequent mood swings, terrible irritation, anger, guilt feeling, difficulty in bonding with the baby, hating baby crying, insomnia, changes in weight, loss of appetite, etc. This mental trauma often leads to either, the suicide of the mother or the murder of a baby by its mother.
Facts about the postpartum disorder
According to the medical records, 1-2 in 10 mothers suffer postpartum depression. In developing nations, 25% of women experience postpartum depression after childbirth. First-time mothers have 7-3 times more chances to get the risk for postpartum depression. Women who have already suffered postpartum depression have a 50% chance of getting it again in another pregnancy.
Postpartum depression affects 10%-25% of mothers in the first year of delivery and it also affects 10% of fathers in the first year of childbirth. This mental disorder can continue for months or years without medication and severe disorders treated with counseling and treatments.
Postpartum depression – Causes
The common causes for postpartum depression are changes in the level of the hormone after childbirth, anxiety or depression regarding the post or pre-delivery, mental or physical abuse during incubation, problems in the marital life, anxieties about the future of the baby, economical or social balance, and some other unknown facts.
Foods that fight postpartum depression
Being physically healthy can resist postpartum depression. Eating healthy foods that fight mental trauma can help one to survive this terrible condition. Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids, serotonin-rich foods, vitamin B12, folic acid, fruits and vegetables, vitamin D, dark chocolate, water, fenugreek seeds, almonds, ajwain are the foods that help to aid postpartum depression to an extent.
Effects on the society and remedies
Women who are suffering from postpartum depression possess a high chance of suicidal behavior. They feel irritated while the baby cries, so they either cry along with the baby or try to stop the baby from crying. If not taken care of, this serious trauma may lead to terrible conclusions.
On a brighter side, all we need is to take care of the newborn mothers. Give your ears to their problems, emotions, and feelings. Never let them sit deserted. Along with nutritional supplements give them your time, care, and attention. Pamper them as well.
Image credits: istockphoto
Udisha Srivastav is a Freelance Content Writer with Femsay.com