Postpartum Support

Although the birth of a baby usually brings exhilaration and feelings of new beginning, it can be also be a time of crisis. It involves an enormous change for the new mother and her family. It is, therefore, not unusual for many new mothers to experience sadness, anxiety and despair during the early weeks after birth.
Most women experience a form of depression known as the Baby Blues, the state generally lasting for about three days to two weeks of the birth. It may take the worse form of postpartum panic or mania, even obsessive-compulsive disorders, including repetitive thoughts that might be repulsive. Some women may also experience post- traumatic stress disorders, particularly after a traumatic birth, which may lead to postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression is quite common. Some experts estimate that 50 to 90 percent of women suffer from it.

There are various conditions that follow the birth of a child. Although the familiar terms as "baby blues" and "postpartum depression" apply to the time period after childbirth, some women experience these symptoms during PREGNANCY, following a miscarriage, or termination of PREGNANCY as well as after childbirth. These emotional upheavals are characterized by the following symptoms:

Baby Blues: An extremely common reaction occurring in the first few days after delivery, the baby blues usually appear suddenly on the third or fourth day. 50 to 75% of all new mothers experience this feeling of letdown after the emotionally charged experience of birth. Symptoms may include crying for no apparent reason, impatience, irritability, restlessness and anxiety.

Postpartum Depression: This involves sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion sadness, depression, hopelessness, appetite and sleep disturbances, poor concentration, confusion, memory loss, over-concern for the baby, uncontrollable crying, irritability, lack of interest in the baby, guilt, inadequacy, worthlessness, fear of harming the baby, fear of harming oneself, exaggerated highs and/or lows and lack of interest in sex.

Panic Disorder: Panic disorder includes intense anxiety and/or fear, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, sense of doom, hot or cold flashes, chest pain, shaking and dizziness.

Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This may lead to intrusive and repetitive thoughts (including thoughts of harming the baby), avoidance behavior (i.e. avoiding the baby to alleviate intrusive thoughts), anxiety and depression.

Postpartum Psychosis: This is characterized by hallucinations, delusions and insomnia.

There are many things that one can do to help ease postpartum depression before the birth of the next baby as: -The mother should take care of herself. Take breaks, accept help from others and nurture herself. Women usually tend to forget themselves and get absorbed in the baby. -Get SUPPORT from a professional before the end of PREGNANCY. This can be helpful to work through any issues the prospective mother might have, even if they are not birth related. This can also include someone to call on after the birth, someone you have a previous relationship with. This person might be able to help the mother to map out plans for postpartum emotionally. There are also SUPPORT groups available. -Consult your physician before using any anti-depressant medicines. -Maintain a healthy diet. PREGNANT women should choose a well-balanced and varied diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, and fish. Refined sugars, white flour, fried foods, processed foods, and chemical additives should be avoided.

There are some predisposing factors for postpartum depression which include: -Hormonal risks such as thyroid imbalance. Postmenstrual syndrome may also contribute to postpartum complications. Rapid changes in the levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and thyroid appear to have a strong effect on women's moods. -A family or personal history of depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive thoughts or behavior, mania. -Marital conflict -Baby's personality, health or disability. -Low confidence as a parent.

A woman experiencing any of the symptoms should contact her health care professional. A complete medical evaluation, including a thyroid screening would be necessary.

Eating a good nutritional diet is vital to the health of the developing baby. Statistics tell us that many women become nutrient depleted during PREGNANCY. While low-fat products are encouraged, unsaturated fats are needed for proper growth. · Eat a high fiber diet, fiber is found in grain, lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables. · Adequate protein consumption is essential and should be obtained through eating lean meats, legumes and low-fat dairy products. · Avoid high sugar, high-fat foods which can lead to digestive distress and excess weight gain. · Adding dried prunes or bran to your diet and drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day can also prevent constipation. · Steam and bake your foods. Fried foods can cause heartburn and gas.

A mild exercise for backache involves getting on your hands and knees and arching your lower back four or five times a day. Certain stretching exercises that can be obtained from your obstetrician can help control side cramping and muscle spasm caused by the expansion of uterine muscle. Stretch marks that develop on the breasts or abdomen can be treated with oils. Do not use over the counter laxatives unless recommended by the doctor.

PREGNANCY can be a state of elation, and at the same time, cause a wide variety of emotional reactions ranging from resentment to fear. Most PREGNANT women are prone to mood swings and cry for no apparent reason. Learn to relax and recognize stress and use measures to diffuse it.

SOURCES: Doctor’s Guide to natural medicine by Paul Barney, M.D.