Postpartum Support Information You Need
| Basics |
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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, Uneasiness and despair during the early weeks after birth. Most women experience a form of Despair 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 Malfunction of mind or bodys, including repetitive thoughts that might be repulsive. Some women may also experience post- traumatic stress Malfunction of mind or bodys, particularly after a traumatic birth, which may lead to postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum Despair is quite common. Some experts estimate that 50 to 90 percent of women suffer from it. |
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| Symptoms |
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There are various conditions that follow the birth of a child. Although the familiar terms as "baby blues" and "postpartum Despair" 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 Uneasiness.
Postpartum Despair: This involves sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion sadness, Despair, 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 Malfunction of mind or body: Panic Malfunction of mind or body includes intense Uneasiness and/or fear, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, sense of doom, hot or cold flashes, chest Discomfort, shaking and dizziness.
Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Malfunction of mind or body (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), Uneasiness and Despair.
Postpartum Psychosis: This is characterized by hallucinations, delusions and Disturbance in sleep. |
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| Prevention |
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There are many things that one can do to Enhance ease postpartum Despair before the birth of the next baby as:
-The mother should take care of herself. Take breaks, accept Enhance 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 Enhanceful 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 Enhance the mother to map out plans for postpartum emotionally. There are also SUPPORT groups available.
-Consult your physician before using any anti-depressant a substance used in managing discomforts.
-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.
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| Causes |
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There are some predisposing factors for postpartum Despair 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 Despair, Uneasiness, panic, obsessive thoughts or behavior, mania.
-Marital conflict
-Baby's personality, health or disability.
-Low confidence as a parent. |
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| Diagnosis |
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A woman experiencing any of the symptoms should contact her health care professional. A complete medical evaluation, including a thyroid screening would be necessary. |
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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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 Beneficial Effects constipation. Steam and bake your foods. Fried foods can cause heartburn and gas.
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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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 Enhance 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. |
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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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 a substance used in managing discomfort by Paul Barney, M.D.
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| Additional Information |
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MindEase (Mind Ease) is a herbal product that contains a herb Dong quai that shows its beneficial effects in
providing soothing and calming effect to the body 1 and also on various female related problems. 1, 2, 3 It exhibits its wholesome effects on
hormonal level in the body. 1 This herbal
product contains Licorice root that shows its favorable effects in feeling of sadness, apprehension and
Uneasiness. 1, 4, 5 Ginger is also
present in this product that exhibits its beneficial effects on feeling of worthlessness, sadness and
apprehension. 5 Womans Moon Cycle is a
herbal supplement that contains dong quai that provides soothing and calming effect to the body and Enhanceful
in female reproductive problems. 1, 2,
3This herbal supplement also has chaste berry that gives relaxing effects to the body and also
normalizes the hormonal levels of the body. 1 It also shows its positive effects on menstrual problems. 1, 2, 5, 6 This herbal supplement also has
Ginger that shows its beneficial effects on feeling of sadness, apprehension and despair. 5 St. Johns Wort is an effective herbal supplement
that exhibits its wholesome effects on stress, feeling of worthlessness, despair 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and also Enhanceful for various
sleep related problems. 2, 3 |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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