Introduction:
Bringing a new life into the world is often described as one of the most joyful and meaningful experiences a woman can have, a sacred and fulfilling rite of passage. Instagram is filled with seemingly well-rested, confident and beautiful mothers effortlessly nurturing their child and an often used narrative is ‘my life began when I became a mother.’
However, what is spoken about less openly is that early parenthood can be painful, exhausting, overwhelming and emotionally challenging, as new parents take in the enormous physical, emotional and social changes involved in caring for their newborn. And sometimes, new mums might need more than a meal, bath and full night’s sleep to get back on their feet, challenged by postnatal depression. It is important to continue shed light on this very real mental health situation so that symptoms can be identified and shame can be removed – especially as it is so prevelent. PND can affect as many as one in seven women, and while it’s more common in mothers, it can also affect fathers and partners.
Whilst a degree of mood shifts are to be expected for women as hormones stabalize in the days and weeks after childbirth, some parents experience Postnatal depression (PND), or postpartum depression. PND can range from a mild feeling of sadness to a paralysing depression, and whilst the exact causes are not known, we do know that it is essential to quickly recognize the signs of PND for timely intervention and recovery. What is key to understand is that this is not a sign of ‘weakness’ or inability to cope for a new parent, but a recognized medical condition. Equally, this is a real condition, and not something that someone can push away or ‘snap out of’ without proper attention.
Understanding Postnatal Depression:
Postnatal depression is more than just ‘baby blues,’ which typically occur within the first few days after childbirth and resolve naturally within two weeks. The baby blues involve mood swings, tearfulness, and feelings of anxiety, but these symptoms usually dissipate as hormones stabilize. In contrast, postnatal depression is a more severe and long-lasting condition that can develop within the first few weeks or even months after giving birth.
Symptoms of Postnatal Depression:
Symptoms can vary in intensity and may include:
- Persistent Low Mood: A constant feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks or longer.
- Loss of Interest: A lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, including spending time with the baby or making plans to see friends or enjoy social activities.
- Fatigue and Lack of Energy: An overwhelming sense of tiredness that does not improve with rest. This can make it difficult to care for the baby or complete normal daily tasks or take care of personal hygeine.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleeping, often unrelated to the baby’s sleep patterns. Some may struggle to fall asleep even when the baby is sleeping peacefully.
- Appetite Changes: Significant changes in appetite, either eating much less or much more than usual.
- Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: Excessive guilt over perceived inadequacies as a mother, or feelings of being a bad parent.
- Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: Feeling disconnected from the baby, or struggling to feel affection or care.
- Irritability or Anger: Unexplained anger or irritability, often directed towards the partner or other children.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Intense anxiety, often manifesting as constant worry about the baby’s health or safety. Panic attacks may also occur.
- Thoughts of Harm: In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby may arise. It’s essential to seek immediate help if these thoughts occur.
Risk Factors for Postnatal Depression
Several factors can increase the risk of developing postnatal depression. Understanding these can help in early identification and intervention:
- History of Depression: Women with a history of depression or anxiety are more likely to experience postnatal depression.
- Stressful Life Events: Experiencing significant stress, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or a lack of social support, can contribute to PND.
- Complications During Pregnancy or Birth: Difficulties during pregnancy, labor, or birth, such as a traumatic delivery or premature birth, can increase the risk.
- Lack of Support: A lack of emotional or practical support from partners, family, or friends can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression.
- Hormonal Changes: The rapid hormonal shifts after childbirth can contribute to mood changes and may trigger depression in some women.
- Exhaustion: It’s important to note that even a relatively easy birth is an overwhelming experience for a woman’s body. In addition, the sudden drop in pregnancy hormones affects brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Broken sleep and exhaustion can also contribute to depression.
- Social Changes: Society puts lots of demands and expectations on a new mother, which a woman may feel she needs to live up to. She may find herself less able to keep up contact with her friends and workmates.
- Career Changes: Women transitioning from the structure of a full time employment may feel lost. Adapting to living on a reduced, or single wage may also be difficult.
The Importance of Seeking Help:
Postnatal depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help is crucial for recovery. Untreated PND can have long-term effects on the mother’s mental health, her ability to care for her child, and the overall well-being of the family.
Treatment options for postnatal depression include:
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can help address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. We offer online therapy and complimentary chats with our healthcare team.
- Medication: Antidepressants may be prescribed to help balance brain chemicals that affect mood. These medications are often safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it’s essential to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
- Support Groups: Connecting with other parents who are experiencing similar challenges can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Self care:
As a new parent, you need to look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing, to ensure you are in the best place possible to care for your new baby. Whether you are experiencing low moods or depression, or no symptoms at all, a little self care goes a long way to your recovery:
A few tips include:
- Make sure you have some time to yourself, apart from work and family.
- Try to keep up important hobbies and interests as much as possible.
- Talk to close friends about your feelings and concerns.
- Try to adopt a routine of self care by getting sufficient sleep/rest, eating healthily, a regular weekly routine and having some social connections.
- Try to make connections with other new parents or your local mother’s group for support.
Supporting a loved one with PND:
- Find out as much information as you can about PND
- Be patient, empathetic and understanding
- Ask the parent(s) how you can help
- Offer to babysit
- Offer to help around the house
- Let the mother know you are there for her, even if she doesn’t feel like talking
- Appreciate that the father may also be emotionally affected by the demands and challenges of new parenthood
Recognizing postnatal depression is vital for the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. If you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms of PND, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference, leading to recovery and a more positive postpartum experience. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Speak to one of our team if you feel you may be experiencing postnatal depression, or any form of mental health shift.