2009/08/18

Weight Loss After Pregnancy The Quickest and Safest Way to Lose Those Postpartum Pounds

Your baby helped you gain it. Now, let your baby help you to lose it! The average woman gains between 25-35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy. She can expect to lose 12-14 pounds during delivery. That can leave as much as 20 pounds (or more), left to lose after the baby is born!


The good news is that there's a completely natural way to shed that extra weight -- breastfeeding! Breastfeeding isn't just healthy for your baby; it's healthy for you, too, and can help you shed those extra pounds faster -- and easier -- than if you bottle feed.


Several recent study results have proven what women have known for centuries: moms who breastfeed either exclusively or just partially have slimmer hips and weigh less in the first six postpartum months than moms who feed their babies formula.


Producing milk to nourish your baby takes a lot of work. A mother who is feeding her child exclusively with breast milk can expect to use more than 500 extra calories a day just to support her milk supply! That can add up to 3,500 calories (or more than one pound of fat), every week. Breastfeeding, coupled with a regular exercise routine and healthy diet, can help a nursing mom lose all of her postpartum weight within 9 to11 months.


While breast feeding may help to jumpstart your weight loss after baby, there are a few things to consider:


* The Need to Eat More. It's true that some nursing mothers do find it necessary to eat a bit more in order to keep up their milk supply. But, most find that if they avoid indulging in fatty and sugary foods and sweets, they continue to lose weight even with the added caloric intake.


* The Need to Exercise. Nothing will help you get back into those pre-pregnancy jeans faster than exercise. While many breastfeeding mothers worry that exercise will hinder their milk production, or change the taste of the milk, most experts agree that a reasonable amount of exercise (20-60 minutes per day of light aerobics such as walking) won't change your milk at all, and will help you look and feel better than doing without any exercise at all.


* Remember to Eat a well-Balanced Diet. Nursing moms have to take special care to eat the right foods since everything they eat now will be going to their baby later. The best way to give yourself and your baby the vitamins and minerals you both need, as well as lose those unwanted pounds, is to fill your plate with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and protein rich foods.


* Remember to Ease Up On Your Calorie Intake As Baby Weans. While most nursing moms find that their baby weight melts off while they're breastfeeding, many report gaining 10-15 pounds when their baby begins the weaning process. Why? The answer is simple: their body no longer requires those extra calories, making it crucial to begin cutting back on your caloric intake as your baby cuts back on nursing.


* Growth Spurts = Weight Loss. Many nursing mothers report added weight loss during a baby's growth spurt periods (usually at 7 days; 2 weeks; 4 weeks; 3 months; 6 months and 9 months). As growth spurts hit, most babies nurse nearly non stop for a few days to signal the mother's body to increase milk production. This round-the clock-nursing uses even more calories, which often results in a quick and unexpected weight reduction.


* Take Your Time. It's hard to be patient to get back to your old size once the baby is born. After all, you probably haven't felt much like your old self in months, and just want to feel like you again. But remember, it took almost a year for your body to grow into the size it is now, and it won't shrink back to what you consider normal overnight. Give yourself the time to safely lose those unwanted pounds. Most health experts agree that a 1-2 pound a week weight loss is the most any mom -- especially nursing moms -- should strive for.


Losing weight after having a baby isn't easy, but you can do it. The key things to remember are to:


* Use more calories by breastfeeding
* Exercise regularly
* Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet
* Give yourself the time to take off the weight


Try all four of these, and before you know it you'll begin to look and feel like your old self again.
There are three very important sites you need to see on weight loss after pregnancy: This weight loss after pregnancy(http://hubpages.com/hub/Weight_Loss_After_Pregnancy) entry at Rate-Diets; this weight loss after pregnancy page on Hubpages; and this weight loss after pregnancy on Squidoo.

Postpartum Exercises and Why You Need the Benefits

Having a baby takes a toll on a woman physically and mentally and many women are not sure how to react to certain postpartum issues, including exercise, hormones and emotions. Many women are not even sure how soon after giving birth they should start to exercise to get their pre-pregnancy body back. Hopefully the information contained within will help them understand what is happening during this wonderful and occasionally stressful time in their lives.


Postpartum Exercise: Just What The Doctor Ordered


Most women can start doing postpartum exercises as soon as their doctor says they are able. This could be anywhere from the day after giving birth to six weeks later if the they have a C-section. As long as they start slowly and allow their bodies time to heal, exercising is a good way to restore ones energy and refresh their spirit and mind. Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor and are probably the best exercises to begin with. They will help the body in the prevention of incontinence and prolapse.


Mothers who are nursing should not change their diet to go along with their postpartum exercises. It is better for them to have an extra five pounds on their bodies so that their milk does not dry up prematurely. If the mother is not nursing then they will want to lose the weight gradually, not more than about one or two pounds per week. This will keep them from losing bone density. It will keep your metabolism moving and help your circulation.


Postpartum exercise does not cause a nursing mother's milk to decrease. The only thing it will do is help the mother lose the weight she gained during pregnancy. However, there have been indications that postpartum exercise will cause a change in the taste of the mother's milk because of the production of lactic acid.


To avoid rejection of the milk by the baby, mothers should feed or pump their milk before exercising, or wait at least an hour after exercise before nursing. The hour between exercise and nursing will aloe the mother's milk to return to its normal taste and then there is no chance of the back rejecting it.


In today's market there are many new and exciting work out equipment available for the new mother's to incorporate into their work out routine. If they have done Pilates in the past, they can substitute their baby for the Pilates equipment in the appropriate exercises, such as plies. Otherwise, a mat or soft surface and a place for the baby to sit and watch - or sleep - are all that is needed.


Postpartum workouts during the first week after birth should be done easy and only require the stretching, tensing, and releasing of muscles. Also, mothers who are up to it and want to get outdoors can add a walk to their routine, which will help boost their aerobic activity and get the blood pumping. The combination of fresh air and moving about will invigorate the mother and help her along in her exercising routine.


http://www.squidoo.com/fityummymummy-IsReal
http://superiorselfimprovement.blogspot.com

Information on Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can make you feel restless, anxious, fatigued and worthless. Some new moms worry they will hurt themselves or their babies. Unlike the "baby blues," postpartum depression does not go away quickly. Very rarely, new moms develop something even more serious. They may stop eating, have trouble sleeping and become frantic or paranoid. Women with this condition usually need to be hospitalized.


The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Experiencing depression after childbirth isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply part of giving birth. If you're depressed, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms — and enjoy your baby.


Depression can be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. The degree of depression, which your doctor can determine, influences how you are treated.


Physical changes after childbirth, a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone may trigger depression. The hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. Changes in your blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism can lead to fatigue and mood swings.


It's important to know the difference between normal postpartum emotional changes and ones that signal a need for further support. It's not just what you're feeling that indicates something may be amiss, but the frequency, intensity, and duration of those feelings. In other words, many new mothers feel sad and anxious periodically during the first few months after childbirth. But if you're crying all day for several days in a row or are having panic attacks, contact your doctor or midwife.


Postpartum depression is caused by changes in hormones and can run in families. Women with severe premenstrual syndrome are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Mild or moderate depression, either postpartum or otherwise, can be treated with medication or with psychotherapy, or, particularly for women with severe cases, a combination of the two. Women who have postpartum depression love their children but may be convinced that they're not able to be good mothers.


Postpartum depression can begin at any time within the first three months after delivery. It can seriously threaten both the woman and her baby. Since the mother is seriously ill, she may not be able to care for her baby as she would if she were well. The disease may make it hard for the mother to breastfeed or bond with her baby. For these reasons, postpartum depression is a threat to newborns.


During the postpartum period, up to 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance. For most women, symptoms are transient and relatively mild (ie, postpartum blues); however, 10-15% of women experience a more disabling and persistent form of mood disturbance (eg, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis).


Postpartum psychiatric illness was initially conceptualized as a group of disorders specifically linked to pregnancy and childbirth and thus was considered diagnostically distinct from other types of psychiatric illness. More recent evidence suggests that postpartum psychiatric illness is virtually indistinguishable from psychiatric disorders that occur at other times during a woman's life.

The PostPartum Period - Welcoming A Second Child

In the postpartum period, many couples are faced with welcoming a second or even third child in the house. Hence, when a couple already has a child, a newborn baby can bring its load of joy and challenge.


In order to understand the first child’s reaction, you have to put yourself in his shoes: form being the king, he falls back at being the prince. In short, all the attention that was directed towards the first born is not redirected in the direction of this precious newborn. You cannot blame a child for reacting and acting-up as the newborn is taking all the attention and time of his beloved parents.


In order to make the transition easier for a child when bringing home a newborn baby, there are basic proven strategies that have proven to work well. I always tell my patients who complain about their first child reacting to the newborn’s arriving by drawing this parallel: “How would you react if your husband brought home another woman one day and said: “Look at her! Isn’t she the most beautiful person in the world! I just love her.”


This is the same thing new parents are often doing when they bring in their newborn baby devoting all their attention to him.


There are ways to prevent postpartum problems by smoothing the transition for the existing child. Such tricks as bringing a gift to the child and telling him that the baby gave it to him can help make the switch easier. It is also recommended to have the older child participate in the newborn care by brining diapers and other stuff. This way, the older child grows into its role of being the helpful one and does not end-up resenting the new baby in the house.


Another very good trick in making the transition easier for the older child when bringing home a newborn baby is by re-assuring this older child that he has not lost any of his parent’s love and attention. Hence, whenever the newborn baby is resting sleeping, sitting down with the older sibling will have the effect of showing that he did not lose his parents but rather gained a brother or a sister.


For more information on the postpartum period please go to:
http://hypno-beginning.com/your_pregnancy_post.htm
http://hypno-beginning.com
http://www.drnathaliefiset.com

2009/08/17

Get Information on Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is a type of depression that a mother experiences immediately after childbirth. It is more serious and lasts longer than 'baby blues'.Postpartum depression occurs in approximately 10 percent of childbearing women.


Depression can be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. The degree of depression, which your doctor can determine, influences how you are treated.


Around ten to twenty percent will experience major depression symptoms following the birth of their child. These symptoms--anxiety, irritability, insomnia, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, persistent weepiness or sadness--are persistent and intense as compared to the milder "baby blues". Onset of symptoms is usually within the first six weeks antepartum. These symptoms can last a year or even longer, although three to six months is the average. Hormones are also thought to play a role in this type of postpartum depression, but family and patient history of depression, lack of support and negative life events are risk factors as well. Postpartum depression responds well to antidepressants and therapy.


A form of severe depression after delivery that requires treatment. It is sometimes said that postpartum depression (PPD) occurs within 4 weeks of delivery but it can happen a few days or even months after childbirth. A woman with PPD may have feelings similar to the baby blues -- sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability -- but she feels them much more strongly than she would with the baby blues. PPD often keeps her from doing the things she needs to do every day. When a woman's ability to function is affected, this is a sure sign that she needs treatment.


Postpartum psychosis, which is a much more severe and dangerous form of postpartum depression is extremely rare and only affects about 3 women in every 1000. Very rarely - in about 1 or 2 out of 1,000 previously-normal women - the depressive symptoms precede an acute psychosis. Most of the psychoses appear within two weeks of childbirth and disappear within two months, although they can continue longer. Signs of postpartum psychosis usually occur within the first few weeks postpartum. In some cases childbirth may result in low thyroid levels, which may also be a cause of depression.


As with premenstrual syndrome, very little is known about psychiatric illnesses that develop following childbirth and whether or not they differ from depressions and psychoses that occur at other times. In addition to the dramatic hormonal shifts that take place following childbirth, stressful life events, marital problems, fear of mothering, overly high expectations of motherhood, and lack of social supports may influence whether a woman progresses from the blues to a clinical depression.


Postpartum psychiatric illness was initially conceptualized as a group of disorders specifically linked to pregnancy and childbirth and thus was considered diagnostically distinct from other types of psychiatric illness. More recent evidence suggests that postpartum psychiatric illness is virtually indistinguishable from psychiatric disorders that occur at other times during a woman's life.



About the Author

Visit StBotanica Increase Penis Size Butea Gel . Also Read about Male Sexual Enhancement and Low Libido and Health Questions Answers

Postpartum Depression - An Overview

Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and life changing experience. But the turmoil endured by a woman's body throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum can wreak havoc on her emotional health. Postpartum depression is no exception, and awareness of the symptoms of this disorder gives new mothers the opportunity to seek treatment, protect themselves and their children and possibly save lives.


New mothers are often blindsided by the symptoms of postpartum depression, unaware that their uncontrollable negative feelings are common among women who have recently given birth. The whirlwind and massive lifestyle changes accompanying a new baby blur new parents' ability to recognize the symptoms of postpartum depression and seek treatment. The specific medical cause of postpartum depression remains a mystery, but it is believed that hormonal shifts, such as major drops in levels of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol shortly after birth play a major role in its occurrence.


Distinguishing the commonly experienced "baby blues" from the more severe postpartum depression is important. The so called baby blues give new mothers temporarily heightened emotions, starting a few days after birth and lasting from several days to a few weeks. Baby blues cause a mother to cry easily and feel irritable and strained to the max emotionally. However, baby blues are short term, do not require treatment and do not interfere with a mother's ability to care for her baby.


Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more serious disorder that does interfere with mom's ability to take care of her baby. Postpartum depression emerges shortly after birth, within a few months of delivery. A history of serious depression or other mood disorders increases a woman's risk of suffering from postpartum depression. A woman who is suffering from this illness will feel fatigued, sad and tearful and be unable to enjoy herself. She will likely experience a change in appetite, feel inadequate as a parent and may have suicidal thoughts. A mother whose postpartum depression leads her to become suicidal may consider killing her baby from fear of abandoning the baby. Many women with postpartum depression worry about the well being of their babies but have thoughts of hurting them, though most never act on these thoughts.


Factors that are unique to each woman can contribute to postpartum depression. External stressors such as marital problems or a lack of familial support contribute to a woman's likelihood of developing postpartum depression. The birth of a child is one of the most significant life changes a person can endure, committing a woman to significant new responsibilities and a forever altered role in life. The change in routine, loss of sleep and physical stress from childbirth make adjusting to a new daily life particularly difficult for mothers.


Symptoms of postpartum depression vary greatly among women, and seeking medical attention is vital to the well being of a mother as well as her infant. Pregnant women, their significant others and close family members should be educated before birth about this illness, which will give them the power to recognize symptoms and therefore combat the illness.




About the Author

About the Author: Jon Flatt is the CEO of Red McCombs Media, a leading online provider of diaper delivery service to ease the burden on new parents. For more information, please visit www.hugsdiapers.net.

Exploring Postpartum Hair Loss

Many women have heard of postpartum depression, but not as many are familiar with the condition known as postpartum hair loss. Hair loss after pregnancy is a very common condition amongst women. Many women begin to notice postpartum hair loss while shampooing their hair in the shower, when it seems as large amounts of hair are falling out.


Pregnancy, while a wonderful experience, has a physically traumatic impact on a woman's body and can become a major cause of female hair loss. A woman's hormones fluctuate drastically before, during, and after birth. Hormonal changes in the cells in the blood stream have a direct impact on the function of hair follicles, thus leading to postpartum hair loss.


Thankfully, female hair loss associated with postpartum hormonal changes generally only lasts a few months. Most women do not need to seek treatment for this condition as the hair will grow back after the hormone levels in the body rebalance.


Women who have thin hair before pregnancy may be especially concerned about postpartum hair loss and might want to take preventative action to avoid the condition. The use of gentle brushing techniques accompanied by very gentle hair care products are some of the best ways to avoid excess hair loss.


Pregnant women and those who have just given birth should be especially careful to avoid the chemicals involved in hair dying or perming. Hair loss after pregnancy is guaranteed to become worse if the hair is exposed to these damaging ingredients.


Notably, there is not very much research detailing whether or not the chemicals in hair care products are damaging to babies. Yet another reason to stay away from these products altogether. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding stay away from salons altogether as breathing in the chemicals from dyes may be just as harmful as topical absorption.


Female hair loss may be caused by genetics or illness, so it is important to know if you are predisposed to hair loss before pregnancy. Unfortunately, hair loss caused by postpartum hormonal changes may only be the start of your hair loss experience. Knowing more about your odds of hair loss will leave you better equiped to deal with your unique situation.


Check with your hair care professional if you have any questions regarding your postpartum hair loss. He or she is familiar with the condition and will be able to provide additional information for dealing with your condition.


What's the #1 female hair loss treatment? Find out here: => http://www.EasyHairGrowth.com - Jamie Bollig's information site about hair loss for men & women. Access free advice, articles & product reviews.

2009/08/16

Postpartum Depression: More Than Just the "Baby Blues"

Having a baby can be very challenging for every woman, both physically and emotionally. The birth of a baby can trigger a mix of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It is natural for many new mothers to have mood swings after delivery, feelings of joy one minute, and moments of sadness the next. But it can also result in something one might not expect like the onset of depression. These feelings are sometimes known as the "baby blues" --- depression that normally fades away within 10 days of delivery. However, some women may experience a deep and ongoing depression which lasts much longer. This is called postpartum depression.


The earliest medical records about postpartum depression dates back to as far as the 4th Century BC. However, despite the early awareness about this form of depression, the postpartum sadness has not always been formally recognized as an illness. As a result, it continues to be under-diagnosed. There is no single cause for depression after childbirth. Physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors may all play a role. Unlike the "baby blues", postpartum depression does not go away quickly. Very rarely, new moms develop something even more serious. They may stop eating, have trouble sleeping or develop insomnia, and become frantic or paranoid.


Postpartum depression affects 10-28% of new mothers. It can begin days, weeks, or months after delivery. Studies show that depressed mothers are less involved with their infant. They are also shows signs of inconsistentcy in terms of how they respond to their infant. They can be loving and attentive one minute, and withdrawn the next. In addition to the signs mentioned, some other symptoms of postpartum depression may include:


Exhaustion

Excessive sleeping but still feeling exhausted

Loss of sexual interest

Crying spells without obvious cause

Feelings of guilt

Sadness

Anger

Feelings of despair and/or worthlessness

Forgetfulness

Difficulty making decisions

Poor concentration


Treatment for postpartum depression can be as varied as the symptoms. Some of the more common approaches to therapy or treatment include:

Creating a supportive environment for the mother;

Self-Care;

Joining a support groups;

Counseling;

Psychotherapy; and

Medication


More often, postpartum depression is not recognized or adequately treated because some normal post-pregnancy changes which cause similar symptoms in new mothers. Moreover, some women do not tell anyone about their symptoms because they feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about being depressed about their pregnancy and childbirth when the normal response would be that of elation or happiness.


Early detection and treatment of postpartum depression is critical not only for the mother but for the infant as well. It can also help if the father or another caregiver can assist in meeting the needs of the baby while the mom is depressed or is still recovering from depression. The less exposure the infant has to the mother's depression, the lower the risk of long-term problems in the child.


Research shows that infants of depressed mothers are at increased risk of behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, and delays in growth and language development. If the mother's depression is not treated promptly, the baby can be greatly affected. Women with postpartum depression may feel like they are bad or inefficient mothers and might become increasingly reluctant to seek professional help. It is crucial to remember that hope and treatment are available to them. With a combination of proper medication and therapy, a woman can overcome postpartum depression and regain the ability to love and care for her newborn child.




About the Author

Soma is the brand name for carisoprodol. It is an oral medication available in a dosage of 350mg per tablet used as a muscle-relaxant. http://www.soma.la/

Texas State And Postpartum Depression

The state of Texas is very dedicated to the understanding and aiding in the Texas state and postpartum depression. It is estimated that eight out of ten new mothers experience one form or another of postpartum depression immediately after giving birth. Symptoms include crying, short tempered, and feeling extremely frustrated and angry. Most of this is a natural course of giving birth and generally will part within a couple of weeks. However, some women experience it to a severe degree of pulling away from the baby, having no interest in the baby, of wanting to hold or comfort the babe.


Most severely are the temper and anger to the point that some new mothers have thoughts of their death and even the death of the new baby. It includes being anxious and fear sets in that the new mother will harm the baby. The most severe form is postpartum psychosis which is the very key interest in Texas state and postpartum depression. The medical community in the state wishes for Texas state and postpartum depression to not be mentioned in the same sentence and are steadfastly trying to find a cure or develop a effective treatment plan for these mother.


Postpartum psychosis is a very rare form of postpartum blues and is rarely heard of. However, one out of a thousand women, shortly after having a baby, experience some for or another of postpartum psychosis. This condition, should one ever come across it is extremely volatile and of uttermost importance and requires medical attention immediately.


Texas state and postpartum depression groups have come up with a sensible list of signs and symptoms that a new mother might display if suffering from this disorder. They should be noted and medical advice and treatment is highly recommended if it is believed that postpartum psychosis is present.


The Texas state and postpartum community says that signs of a new mother becoming confused and nervous, being unusually quiet, hallucinating, hearing voices and having thoughts about suicide or alternatively, of hurting the baby. These are all signs that according to Texas state and postpartum experts, that a new mom is experiencing severe postpartum depression.


Texas state and postpartum depression medical community suggests that screening could be used in order to better recognize and treat postpartum baby blues however, the debate rages on over the criteria for which to diagnose major postpartum depression.



About the Author

Learn more about depression treatment by visiting our free site. You can learn everything about drug treatment for depression.

Depression - Postpartum Depression Residential Treatment Training

In recent years the importance of recognizing postpartum depression has become an importance health care issue among all health care workers. The postpartum depression residential treatment training is aimed to identify the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and reduce the short and long term cost to mothers and children alike.
Postpartum depression was once thought of as a make believe disorder and was widely discriminated upon. It has only been since the extreme actions of some mother experiencing postpartum depression, that the international community even took serious notice of the issue. That is why programs like this one have been developed and will continue to be developed in the coming years.


Postpartum depression residential treatment training is a series of courses that were developed from a research study conducted at the University of Cambridge, Uk. This study pertaining to the postpartum depression residential treatment training studied the different types of psychological treatments and designed a program suited to best address these needs in new mothers.


There are three main courses of postpartum depression residential treatment training. They are predominantly aimed at doctors to provide them with a set of skills to identify depression and then to treat it. The treatment is centered on a structured, well thought out intervention using techniques and skills acquired from understanding cognitive behavioral theory.


The second phase to postpartum depression residential treatment training is a two-day course that covers the detection of depression and of intervention techniques. Following that is a one-day workshop that also helps in the aiding of detection and of perinatal mood disorders as well as raising general awareness of the issue. This should have any practitioner ready to handle any postpartum depression case.


There is also a postpartum depression residential treatment for trainers. This is a three-day course that is in large part, designed for those in charge of training primary care workers. This course is an on campus course and is available to adhere to your independent needs.


This postpartum depression residential treatment training has an online presence and you can access their site for more detailed information on course availability. Their website is very informative and has a contact us option so that you may email them your particular needs. It was once thought of as a make believe disorder and was widely discriminated upon. In recent years it has received international fame through extreme displays of postpartum depression.



About the Author

Learn more about depression and thinking right by visiting our free site. You'll can learn everything about depression causes.

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.

Helpfull postpartum depression tips

Are you trying to learn more about postpartum depression well we have gather some helpful hints and tips about postpartum depression, so feel free to read this body language article as much as you want. Hopefully you find these postpartum depression tips and hints helpfull to you.


Become aware of your self-talk. Stop telling yourself how depressed you feel. This will only add to your misery and is very counter-productive. The word 'depression' is a vague term and does not in anyway help solve your problems. Rather than use the term 'depression', get more specific about how you are feeling. Are you feeling grief because a loved one has died or is injured' Are you feeling anger because your spouse has been unfaithful' Are you feeling stressed because there you have too much work to do' Telling yourself you are feeling very sad because your Son has passed away is far less debilitating than telling yourself you are depressed. It is natural to feel sad at the passing of a child. You need time to grieve and then let the grief go and start the healing process. You will add to your pain if every morning you wake up and tell yourself how depressed you are and how unfair life is.


Take up a sporting activity like walking, cycling, tennis, golf, water sports, riding, gliding, sailing, football, badminton. Something with a personal achievement goal. Spectator sports do not count and have little value for the purpose of defeating depression. Like alcohol (with which they are often associated) and television, they are simply ephemeral distractions. Depression cannot exist when the adrenaline is surging. Try bungee jumping.


Take ONE walk today, optimally in a park or natural setting, and notice anything that strikes you're a colorful, pleasing to your senses or beautiful.


Go out of your way to do something for someone else each day - a helping hand for an acquaintance or neighbour, a loving gesture for your spouse, an unexpected present for your children. It need not cost money but must involve your time, effort and devotion.

You may be able to get out of a bad mood by accepting that bad moods are an inevitable part of life! Sound confusing' Actually, the idea isn't that complicated. When you dwell on bad moods, they intensify. When you accept them as unpleasant but inevitable, they lose some of their grip on your psyche.


Well these are just a few postpartum depression tips that you can use and try to recognize. These tips have been gathered from some of the best postpartum depression sources on the internet today and from some of the best authorities on the subject. postpartum depression -postpartum depression information.



About the Author

webmaster of http://www.depressionpost.info