So Sad After the First Child

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Thursday, March 25th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

After 9 months of pregnancy, a happily married couple in Florida waits for the birth of their first baby. The attending surgeon and the Tampa Bay midwife perform a flawless job. everything turns out alright and the child is born free of complications. Everyone accepts the behavior of the “new mommy” to her husband and to her child until symptoms of depression masked with irritability set in. Misunderstandings occur and harsh quarrels follow in the ensuing weeks. What has happened to the sweet woman in a seemingly normal event such as childbirth to make her husband misunderstand? The lady has developed Postpartum Depression, a psychological illness that has become the subject of medical gatherings all over the U.S. like the one in Florida called “maternity care Tampa Bay”.

Postpartum depression needs to be figured out before it can be prevented. So what is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is basically clinical depression that accompanies childbirth. Clinical depression or Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities that is coincident with low mood and decreased self-esteem, this loss is known as Anhedonia. The disorder frequently affects women but could also affect men especially those who become fathers for the first time. The incidence is lower in men however between 1.2% and 25.5%. After carrying their first child, women are most susceptible in the first few months following delivery. Many studies show a female prevalence ranges between 5%-25%.

While the symptoms of postpartum depression usually occur in the first few months, they can manifest anytime in the first year following delivery. Women complain of intense sadness and fatigue in performance of daily activities. There is hopelessness, low self-esteem, guilt and even a sensation of being overcome by circumstances. Disturbances have been noted in both appetite and sleep cycles. Some cases are even refractory to counseling. cognitive exercises like talking and writing are impaired and episodes of intense rage, frustration, panic attacks and anxiety occur. The sex drive is seriously reduced.

While all the causes of postpartum depression remain elusive, a number of elements have been determined as predictors of the illness. A history of depression seriously predisposes to this illness. This also includes any depressive spell during pregnancy. General stress in life, especially, when the mother is single or if married, unsupported by her spouse is causative factor.

Recognizing postpartum depression as a disease entity will lead to better understanding and much needed comfort from spouses and prevent needless conflict borne of misunderstanding. Smoking should be discouraged. Screening for postpartum depression, which is regular in Canada, could be carried out worldwide. This way, risk factors can be quickly identified and corrective measures can be taken. Appropriate exercise and a balanced diet seem to play important roles in preventing postpartum depression in particular, and depression in general. Experts suggest the inclusion of the following in a woman’s diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, Vitamins especially of the B category and appropriate water intake. With recognition, proper dietary measures and moral back-up we can prevent the occurrence of postpartum depression.

Tags: natural remedy for depression, herbal remedies, natural healingremedies