There is a period after delivery when every mother feels a little too overwhelmed, excited, and anxious. Many attribute this change of emotions to the baby blues, but no, this is what the doctors call postpartum depression.
Mostly triggered by the fear of the unknown, postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects 1 in every 7 new mothers. The disorder commences in the days or months following the birth of the child and can have an adverse effect on the well-being of both mother and child.
Unlike baby blues, postpartum depression never disappears on its own, it’s a psychological disorder that can spread into a year plus if not treated or rather managed properly.
One thing you should never do as a mother is keep quiet about postpartum depression; it’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s not your fault, so you shouldn’t go through it alone.
The wise men always say the best way towards healing is accepting that you actually have a problem, and now that you know there is a mishap somewhere, allow us Elimuzazi walk this noble journey with you.
What to do to fix postpartum depression
- Slowly reintroduce a daily exercise routine.
Research has found that exercising has an antidepressant effect on women with postpartum depression. You do not have to check in to a gym or go into any vigor workout; all you need is a workable daily workout program.
Commence with short walks around the compound or neighborhood. A breath of fresh air is therapeutic, and exercising is an efficient way to achieve better and more stable psychological well-being as well as ease the symptoms of postpartum depression. With time you can elevate to more intense workouts but off course with a clean bill of health from your gynecologist.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
As much as eating well won’t cure you from postpartum depression it will help you feel better. Eating nutritious foods will give your body the right nutrients and boost your energy. Plan your meals, complete with healthy snacks, in time to avoid last-minute quick fixes.
- Create some me time
You are a new mother, and your baby needs full-time attention. But do not forget about you in the process of caring for your baby; do not stay stuck on the couch breastfeeding the whole day. Childcare can be overwhelming, and maybe it pairs up with household chores. Reach out for help; get a hired hand or a relative to help with the baby or the chores to allow you adequate time to take care of yourself. Also involve your partner or a trusted hand in the baby’s care once in a while and dash out for some me time. This could be a spa treatment or salon appointment or a quick hang out with friends. Do not burry yourself in unending mummy duties; it will get overwhelming.
- Find time to rest.
Many say sleep when the baby sleeps for better rest. Well, as annoying as it may sound that would probably be the only peaceful time you’ll have to sleep. Research has found that new mothers who get the least sleep suffer the worst depressive symptoms. You may not be able to get long hours of sleep, but invest in short naps throughout the day.
- Build your social network.
Human beings are social creatures and always crave interaction with others. Having a present and supportive social network will help you interact and unwind which in return helps shed off the emotional stress.
Being lonely is also connected to sleep issues, high blood pressure, diminished immunity, and, worst of all, the risks of heart disease. Build an active social network for emotional support.
- Have time to bond with your baby.
Emotional bonding and building an attachment with your baby help the baby feel safe and bubbly enough to develop fully. It also builds a unique communication relationship between you and your baby. As we all know, a healthy and bubbly baby equals a sane and happy mother.
- See a doctor.
As is the adage, when symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
In response, we at Elimuzazi have this to say: postpartum depression is no child’s play; it can frustrate, drain, and make childcare stressful. Before you end up in a mental home, get help and enjoy your motherhood journey.
For postpartum depression in dads click here https://elimuzazi.com/2021/02/22/postpartum-depression-dads-experience-it-too/