Postpartum Depression - Treating It Succesfully

Postpartum Depression is a common disorder linked to childbirth. It can afflict at least one in 10 women and is not an indicator of mothering ability. Childbirth is a major event, one that presents significant physical and psychological stresses in a woman's life. It can be a factor in the development of this illness.


Baby blues can arise after childbirth and normally go away within a short period. These temporary symptoms subside and treatment is not needed. Post partum depression can occur anytime within a year after giving birth and is recognized as a serious condition associated with childbirth. This disorder needs to be treated. The third and most troubling manifestation is postpartum psychosis or what is called puerperal psychosis. A mother suffering from this can be at risk of inflicting harm to herself or her infant. Fortunately, this condition is rare.


Symptoms of postpartum depression can manifest in lack of energy or motivation, irritability and restlessness, feeling agitated and anxious. Each woman's experience may be different but the symptoms can be distressing and often leave the mother feeling ashamed and isolated, grappling with feelings of guilt because she thinks this should have been the happiest time of her life, but instead, she feels intense sadness. She may feel hopeless and overwhelmed, withdrawing from friends and family. Life may seemingly have lost its sparkle and interest in normal activities has waned. Focus, memory problems, and making decisions may be difficult. Physical problems may include: headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (skipping or rapid beats), and hyperventilation. Appetite and sleep may be disturbed, as well.


Post partum depression can impact on a mother's ability to parent her infant. A mother afflicted with a host of distressing symptoms may be unable to meet her child's emotional needs. This can be self-perpetuating because the mother then feels ashamed or worthless and may question her ability to be a good parent--her loss of confidence can make the depression deepen. It goes one step further because her baby can also be affected, showing emotional and behavioral problems, and signs of distress.


Pregnancy and the hormonal changes it brings can lead to postpartum depression. Certain chemical changes take place in your body during and after pregnancy and may contribute to it. Hormonal changes can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain. Treatment will be focused on relieving symptoms.


Talk and group therapies can help in changing thinking patterns, and antidepressant medication can be administered to relieve symptoms of depression in the post partum period. Natural remedies work to correct imbalances that impair functioning and emotional well being, and can help to rebalance hormones.


Natural supplements include herbal extracts such as chaste tree berry and black cohosh, which may relieve irritability, headaches, sweating, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. Valerian and chamomile are well known in helping to reduce anxiety and to promote rest. Other ingredients will include beneficial vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and additional herbal extracts. Natural remedies offer safe and effective treatment--without undesirable side effects, that, at times, have been associated with prescription medications--and can be effective in reducing postpartum depression.


If you are pregnant and worried that this condition may occur or are suffering from post partum depression, the good news is that treatment is available. You are not responsible and this disorder does not have to interfere with everyday living. Babies deserve to have emotionally healthy mothers and mothers are entitled to the joy and happiness that children bring. Help is available. You can enjoy the riches that parenthood offers.



About the Author

Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She is a regular contributor to several health sites, including Beat Your Depression, a site dedicated to treating depression safely and effectively.