2015-12-30
Joybynature.com Team
Dec
30

Image Source: Media2.onsugar

After a childbirth, the mother usually becomes very weak and takes time to recover physically and mentally. Also because of a lot of medications and the responsibility of taking care of the baby, she might also have frequent mood swings. All such problems not innate to a lady’s character herself, may last for a week or two or maybe up to a month. But if the majority of the symptoms listed below stay longer than the period stated above, there is a big reason to worry.

Symptoms-

  • Irritation or agitation
  • Change in appetite
  • Feeling of no connected or cutoff from others
  • Lack of interest in other activities
  • Nullified interest in sex
  • Loss of concentration
  • Insomnia
  • Tiredness
  • Difficulty in household chores

And in severe cases

  • Unable to take care of herself or her baby
  • Negative feelings and tendencies of harming the baby or herself
  • Feelings of hallucination

All the above point towards a depression called Postpartum depression and if the symptoms are severe, then it’s a rare case of Postpartum psychosis. If untreated, Postpartum may last for many months and in a few cases, for years altogether.

Treatment of this depression is available easily and doctors do understand how to treat it effectively. The only requirement being that the lady keeps patience and believes that she would be just fine in sometimes. Apart from the medical treatment, there are a few does for the mother and close ones-

  • Proper support and affection is a big requisite
  • Other family members must also take care of the baby and that shouldn’t be left for the mother alone
  • Rest should be taken as much as possible even with fresh aroma around since the body is trying to recover the lady can also try massage oils< for better relaxation along with a few relaxation options that have proven to help in the form of aromatherapy Incense sticks<, roll on<.

  • Connection with other mothers or self help groups helps a lot
  • Alcohol and recreational drugs should be avoided

  • One should take time for herself, spend some time alone with the spouse as well and even have some intimacy to maintain the relationship’s spark
  • One shouldn’t try to be a perfect mother and be at the beck and call all the time
  • One shouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor and express her true feelings

Medical treatment

Postpartum depression is generally treated along with psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or mental counseling), medication or both.

  • Psychotherapy

With this type of treatment, the mother is asked to share her true thoughts and be honest to the therapist. There are counseling sessions and realistic goals are set for the mother to achieve. As a very effective way of treatment, in some sessions even family members especially spouse may also be involved.

  • Antidepressants

To relieve the mood and make the mother feel better, antidepressants drugs may also be prescribed. There are a few of them that can be taken even when the mother is breast feeding. These drugs enter the bloodstream and would also be present in the milk, the baby feeds on, but one should ensure that the drugs taken have close to none side effects on the baby.

Medical treatment for Postpartum psychosis-

In this case, treatment is possible only in the hospital.

  • Drugs and medication

The mother is given a combination of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medicals to control and psychosis.

  • Electroconvulsive therapy(ECT)

In extreme cases, when no other medication is effective and conditions worsen, small electrical current is passed through the brain to replicate the situation of a seizure. The chemical changes introduced in the body help in reducing the feelings of depression and psychosis over a period of time.

Some side-effects of Postpartum psychosis treatment-

  • The ability of the mother to breastfeed may be hampered
  • Separation from the baby may also make breast feeding difficult for the mother

So if anyone notices such symptoms in herself or around in someone,one shouldn’t be reluctant to express and consult a doctor because a healthy life <can come only with a healthy mind.

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