More than one-third of women across the globe face postpartum depression along with other health issues after childbirth. From changing a diaper to breastfeeding, mothers go through a rollercoaster of emotional and physical exhaustion. You may be aware of the ritual performed after 40-45 days of delivery. Why is this ritual done after 45 days?
The purpose is simple: it allows mothers to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally after giving birth. After delivery, the mother’s body becomes vulnerable to health complications because of the extreme fatigue, blood loss, cardiovascular changes, physical pain, hormonal swings, sleep deprivation, and psychological stressors (breastfeeding, bonding with the baby, and new responsibilities).
But most mothers or women don’t know about postnatal depression, which not only impacts their life, but also influences the bond with their newborn baby. That is why Cradle Children’s Hospital always encourages new mothers to learn about postpartum health and why mothers need care after delivery, too.
What is Postpartum Depression?
There is nothing to be baffled about this, but it is necessary not to down the most ant to understand the concept. It is a mood disorder that happens to women after giving birth. This can be overwhelming for new mothers and can become worse if left untreated. The variation varies between a few weeks to years.
Note: It is different from baby blues, as these are temporary mood swings along with sadness that go away after 3 to 5 days after birth.
Many mothers are being judged just after birth, which causes an emotional toll. The cases of PD are increasing day by day, and these because of a lack of education and not knowing where to access good treatment. Several common factors look like postnatal depression. But it is necessary for women to know about the changes that can impact their health, relations with their newborn baby.
Signs of Postpartum Depression.
Emotional and psychological-
- Feeling depressed and overwhelmed, leading to a feeling of emptiness.
- Difficulty in bonding with the baby.
- Experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.
- Immense mood swings.
- Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or the baby, or suicidal thoughts.
Physical-
- Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy.
- Extreme fatigue and exhausted all the time.
- Difficulty concentrating on things and making decisions.
- Either sleeping too much or not (insomnia).
- Change in appetite where eating more than usual, or not eating enough food to feed yourself, and develop breastmilk.
Who is at Risk of?
- Family history- Having a family history of mania or hypomania and low depression increases the risk. Around 10% to 20% of women experience postpartum depression, while 17% are dealing with anxiety. While 1 in 1000 are affected by postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.
- Genetics- Genetics plays a crucial role when it comes to health complications. Although everyone’s delivery is different, a genetic role increases the susceptibility to the disorder.
- Pre-existing issues- If you are already dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, then the likelihood of having these in postpartum is around 35%. And it can also be triggered if you have experienced these issues in your previous pregnancy.
Why does Postpartum Health Matter?
- New mothers not only need attention and care from family during their pregnancy, but also need it when they are going through this. With proper care and support, a mother’s body can heal faster and effectively.
- With proper monitoring, you can prevent life-threatening complications like postpartum hemorrhage, infection, anemia, and high blood pressure.
- You can prevent yourself from postpartum anxiety, baby blues, and postpartum depression.
- Nutrition and care help the mother to develop proper milk for the baby. Also, they need guidance on feeding schedules, latching, milk, and breast pain.
- Today’s care will build the future body, and this is what a mother does with new mothers. If she is getting proper care, love, affection, nutrition, and guidance, she can recover from the delivery trauma more efficiently. This ensures long-term health away from pain and incontinence.
Key Components of Good Postpartum Care
Good postpartum care is all about rest, healing, nourishment, and emotional support. Even a gynecologist advises new mothers to take proper rest before beginning their routine.
- Prioritise Rest- take a minimum of 8 hours of sleep and ensure to avoid doing things that can add strain to your body. Even doctors advise that lying down is the best way to reduce pelvic pressure and support healing.
- Stay Nourished and hydrated- drink plenty of water and add high fiber food to prevent constipation. Also, high fiber supports your energy level, but avoid eating high-carb snacks, as they can impact breastfeeding.
- Watch for Your Mental Health Signs- if you start to feel sad, anxious, or disconnected with your baby, make sure to communicate with your partner and, if needed, talk to your doctor about the condition. Don’t neglect any signs with can impact your mental health. Also, if a woman starts to have delusions, confusion, paranoia, or feels lost in reality, then don’t delay in approaching your doctor.
- Focus on Shared Responsibilities- don’t over-burden yourself with household chores and a baby. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family, because this is the most crucial time, which will make or break your body for the future.
- Acknowledging Emotional Well-Being- mood swings are most common after delivery because of the hormonal fluctuation. If it starts to hamper your relations and day-to-day activities, then it indicates the issues. The condition persists in 1 out of 1000 women, and this postpartum psychosis requires a medical emergency.
- Indulge in Exercises- basic exercises like walking help women get themselves back. Kegel exercises are great for strengthening pelvic muscles. Most of the women have issues with leakage of urine while coughing or sneezing during and after delivery. This exercise helps to tighten pelvic muscles and control the bladder.
Postpartum Care- No Woman Should Avoid
Apart from emotional and mental support, it is important for women to practice exercises to support their muscles. Care during postpartum is not a demand; it is a necessity that every new mother needs.
Now you know the signs and know what to do. It is also essential for family and friends to take care of the new mother and baby altogether, because the baby is not the one who is born; a mother is also born, as her whole life is about to change.
Without any help, it can be difficult for you to get through the postpartum period. It is not just about caring for the mother after the delivery, but it is all about helping her to get stronger and accept the changes in her life with good mental and emotional stability.
Cradle Children’s Hospital gynecologists are experts in guiding women pre-, during, and post-delivery so that she can enjoy the process without hampering her life. They are one of the best gynecology clinics in Jaipur that have dedicated healthcare professionals to deal with postnatal care.
Get in touch with Us.
Hesitation should leave the place when it comes to your health. At Cradle Hospital, women can experience a smoother, safer journey through every stage of femininity. Book your appointment today and get the best healthcare.
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