The postpartum period is a time of immense joy and transformation, but it can also bring a wave of unexpected emotional challenges. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm are common as you adjust to the demands of motherhood.
While many new mothers experience these feelings to some degree, persistent or intense emotions could be a sign of postpartum or postnatal depression, a common occurrence in mothers. However, with the proper professional support, it is treatable.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is more than just the temporary sadness associated with the baby blues. While the baby blues typically subside within a couple of weeks, postpartum depression involves persistent low moods and behavioural and physical changes.
Several factors can contribute to the condition:
- Hormonal factors: The dramatic shifts in hormone levels after childbirth can significantly impact the mother’s mood and emotional regulation.
- Emotional factors: Adjusting to motherhood, sleep deprivation from newborn night feeding, and negative feelings can contribute to emotional vulnerability and increase the risk of postnatal depression.
If left untreated, postpartum depression can significantly hinder the mother's post-birth recovery and the baby's development and bonding.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Mothers experiencing postnatal depression may present with various emotional, physical, and behavioural signs:
- Persistent low mood: A pervasive sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness lasting for more than two weeks.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Experiencing excessive guilt, self-blame, or feelings of inadequacy as a mother.
- Fatigue or low energy: Feeling constantly exhausted, even after rest, and struggling with daily tasks.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping excessively, even when the baby rests.
- Appetite changes: Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or overeating.
- Loss of interest: Diminished pleasure in hobbies, social activities, or even bonding with the baby.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling with focus, memory, or making simple decisions.
- Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby: Having intrusive thoughts about hurting yourself or your child. If you experience such thoughts, seek professional help immediately.
Recognising these signs in yourself or a loved one is crucial for tackling postnatal depression.
How to Deal with Postpartum Depression
Getting through postnatal depression often requires professional support from a therapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist.
At the same time, prioritising self-care is crucial. Simple habits can help you cope with postnatal depression at home:
- Getting enough sleep when possible
- Eating nutritious meals
- Relying on the support of loved ones
- Engaging in gentle postpartum exercise
Taking care of yourself is the first step towards caring for and breastfeeding your baby. While breastfeeding is a positive experience for many mothers, some may find it challenging, especially when dealing with postpartum depression. In such cases, seeking support from a virtual lactation consultant or adjusting feeding routines as needed can go a long way in establishing a routine that works best for you.
Your Journey to Postpartum Wellness
Postpartum depression is a common and treatable condition. As such, don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling to cope with postnatal depression. Remember, you are recovering alongside many others.
As a lactation specialist in Singapore, Flegen is dedicated to providing new mothers with the resources and support they need to navigate parenthood, from conducting infant care classes to answering postpartum questions. Contact us today to begin your path to well-being.