Postpartum depression , or postnatal depression, is a depression that occurs at any time during the year preceding childbirth in mothers and fathers. Postpartum depression is not to be confused with the baby blues, which is less serious and does not require special treatment.
First, let's talk about the baby blues:
The baby blues appear in the mother in the first few days after giving birth due to hormonal imbalances (progesterone and estrogen levels drop sharply). It is characterized by irritability, anxiety, crying spells and mood swings that are explained by increased stress and lack of sleep. The baby blues usually last only two to three days, but can last up to two weeks, and fade on its own.
Here are some tips to help you overcome it:
Take care of yourself. Rest, take time for yourself, go for a walk, spend an afternoon with your friends, relax by going for a massage for example, or by simply sleeping.
Notify your loved ones. Let your spouse or parents know so that they can help you especially during this time to take care of your child and to give you space.
What is postpartum depression?
Typically, a parent is most likely to experience postpartum depression within three months of giving birth. Postpartum depression affects 15 to 20 percent of mothers.
The causes of this depression are rather due to physiological changes such as exhaustion, lack of sleep or hormonal changes. But also by a big life change, such as the arrival of the baby which can overwhelm the mother and feel overwhelmed.
The main symptoms of postpartum depression are sadness accompanied by persistent bad mood, lack of energy, lack of interest, sleep disturbances or even difficulty bonding with the baby.
Dads can also suffer from postpartum depression, although it is less common among men. They may express it through irritability, violence, or excessive alcohol consumption.
How to get out of postpartum depression?
There is no shame in this, this phenomenon is common among new parents. These few tips will help you overcome this stage.
Start by talking to your doctor so that he or she can assign you a treatment that is right for you. He or she can also refer you to a therapist who will take care of you.
Talk to your loved ones so they can help you. Ask your family or friends for help, entrust your child to them so that you can rest and catch up on the lack of sleep. Sleep at the same time as your baby, take advantage of his naps.
Eat healthy, eat foods that contain vitamins to give you energy.
Now here are some tips to help a loved one going through postpartum depression:
Being irritable, take your loved one's reactions lightly, even if they are exaggerated in your opinion. Try to stay positive and keep calm.
Listen to her, even if she cries, having someone to confide in is always reassuring. Remember to check in on her regularly, she will feel supported.
Help with the housework, and bring her ready-made meals so she doesn't have to do it, this will make her feel better. Then, encourage her to go for a walk to take her mind off things.
Remember to congratulate him/her, the expectant person may feel incompetent in relation to their new life as a parent, so remember to congratulate them to show them that you believe in them, this will reassure them. In addition, remember to support the person, be with them, change their mind, they will feel supported, this will do them a lot of good.
If the depression persists, do not hesitate to encourage him to consult a specialist. Even if you are by his side, sometimes professional advice is necessary.
If you are affected or if you see that the person expecting postpartum depression, fears hurting her baby or herself, consult a doctor quickly or go to the emergency hospital. If you feel distressed, consult a doctor or a psychologist.