Untreated Postpartum Depression

November 9, 2011 by Vianesa Vargas  
Filed under pregnancy

One condition that hits many new moms is postpartum depression.

When postpartum depression is left untreated it can seriously impact the mother-child relationship.

Recognizing that you are suffering from postpartum depression is one of the most important steps to ensuring you do get on a pathway to recovery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary, but generally there are a few symptoms that are quite common.

Typically mothers will find they cry more easily, and will have difficulty sleeping or feel irritated and overly emotional. They may find they also have feelings as though they are not adequate parents or that they are not capable of dealing with the stress of having a child. Some mothers also find they have constant nagging worries about their baby’s health and well-being, which don’t go away with time.

When postpartum depression is left untreated for several weeks, the condition may worsen and eventually develop into postpartum psychosis, which is the most serious condition that requires quick and immediate treatment.

When this is the case, the woman may start having delusions, or hallucinations, as well as show other mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.

Typically women who are thinking suicidal thoughts or are considering hurting their young child will only do so when they have moved into this stage, which is why immediate treatment by a medical professional be utilized.

Baby Blues

If you feel as though you may be suffering from “baby blues,” a common feeling new moms have in the weeks after childbirth, there are several ways you can go about treating baby blues at home to help ensure you get on track to feeling better again.

Self-care practices include:

- Surrounding yourself with supportive family members who you can talk with comfortably

- Eating right and exercising

- Getting adequate rest

- Getting plenty of fresh air

- Forming bonds with other new mothers

Keep these points in mind about postpartum depression. If you feel as though you suffer from any of the above symptoms, seek professional help. There are numerous resources for postpartum depression; start with your doctor and be honest about your feelings and state of mind.

Vianesa Vargas is a recognized weight loss and former weight loss trainer for new moms. Sign up for her food coaching newsletter now and get your free weight loss planner.

Info About Pregnancy: A Look At Postpartum Depressive Disorder

December 16, 2010 by Elizabeth Tan  
Filed under pregnancy

The birth of another life is meant to be a highly important and meaningful event in every woman’s life. They go through a roller coaster of emotions at such a situation, which involves feeling on top of the world to be blessed with a baby, along with the natural fear and anxiety about the whole experience. However, for some women it becomes a negative event that results in great depression.

If you have recently become a mother, and feel guilty over having mood swings and for feeling upset over no apparent reason; you are not alone. Around 80% of women experience disturbances in their mood after pregnancy, which is referred to as baby blues. Some of the emotions that they may experience include feeling highly upset, guilty, unloving towards the baby and afraid.

However, when these emotions tend to intensify and become much more severe in nature, they are known as symptoms of postpartum depression. Occurring just after the baby is born; most women may feel terrible about not loving their babies and acting as most mothers are supposed to. But, it should not be looked down upon as being a weakness in the woman’s personality; it is just a complication that occurs mostly due to hormonal imbalances, which leads to such emotions.

One may start to realize that the symptoms are more severe in nature and not the same as “baby blues” if they do not seem to go away for a long period of time. The following are a few examples of the kind of symptoms one may go through:

Such a woman may suffer from loss in appetite, insomnia, anger and irritability, decrease in sexual relations with the husband, not experiencing joy in any positive or happy moment, mood swings, highly negative and irrational thoughts about inflicting harm over the baby, and then feeling guilt about letting such thoughts enter one’s mind and not loving the child as a mother should.

Even if the child would be healthy, the mother may spend hours worrying about his or health and well being. Most of these are, of course, just imagined scenarios but for them, it may feel like a real and worrisome situation.

Most importantly, suicidal thoughts may start to enter the mother’s mind and she may even attempt at taking her life. In such a situation, it is absolutely essential to seek treatment immediately.

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How to Help Your Wife If She Has Postpartum Depression

March 11, 2010 by Pit Meier  
Filed under pregnancy

Postpartum depression is quite common, but can also be serious. It definitely should not be ignored. This is a condition which may last several days to several months. In some rare instances it may last several years, and have the potential of becoming postpartum psychosis. This is a much more serious situation, which will require immediate medical attention.

Changing hormone levels are most often responsible for this condition, and usually cause the strongest affects in the days following the baby’s birth. Some women enjoy pregnancy a great deal, and may miss having the baby growing inside of them. For some this may make them feel as though the infant is not as close as it once was. Holding, feeding, and bonding with the baby usually helps a great deal in repairing this feeling. Breast feeding will definitely help a new mother feel close to her child. This makes women aware that the child stills relies upon it’s mother for good health and growth.

A woman needs to take care of herself physically and emotionally before, during, and after pregnancy. After a child is born, a new mother usually loses sleep due to waking through the night to care for the child. It is a good idea for these women to nap during the day while the infant is asleep. This will allow her to get enough rest to avoid becoming fatigued.

New mother’s should never be afraid to ask for help. This is after all hard work. People should certainly be taken up on their offers o help with household chores and babysitting.

Excellent health and nutrition will help a woman to get back to her old self more quickly. It is important to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of foods based on a highly nutritional menu. Exercise is also a great way to regulate mood, and should be started as soon as the doctor says it is okay.

Women should never be embarrassed to discuss depression with their physician. Regular visits should always be kept, and any concerns should be immediately discussed. Women should know that there is medication available for postpartum depression and should never be afraid to ask for it if needed.

In order to treat postpartum depression, you should consider finding help online. Many people can help you fight Postpartum and get a Postpartum Depression Treatment.