The postpartum period is a period that begins after the end of labor and lasts 6 weeks. Physiological changes that occur in the mother during the postpartum period are accompanied by psychological and behavioral changes. Symptoms that can be seen in women during this period, such as fluctuation in mood, feeling anxious, obsessive, worried, hopeless, helpless and lonely, and not being able to enjoy life, are called depressive states. The depressive state can progress from a normal state of sadness to psychotic depression, and its symptoms can appear at any time within a year following birth. Among the reasons, there is a change in the role definitions of mother and father after birth, spouses are likely to transition from being a couple to being a mother and father, and the psychosocial stress of baby care triggers the emergence of psychological problems. The risk of postpartum depression is higher in women who do not receive adequate support from their spouses during pregnancy and who have problems in their marital relationships.
Precautions and treatment methods for postpartum depression:
When postpartum depression occurs, take a break by resting, sleeping when the baby sleeps, getting help from family members or friends, showering and dressing regularly every day, going out for a walk, and taking the child to someone else when you need to relax. You should try to relax by quitting, even if only for a while. However, when a more severe depressive state occurs, a medical evaluation must be made. Medical examination and tests should be performed to identify medical conditions that may cause depression. When necessary, psychotherapy should be performed and antidepressant or antipsychotic medication should be started. Since all medications used pass into breast milk, physicians do not recommend or give medications to breastfeeding mothers unless absolutely necessary. However, if necessary, some antidepressant medications can be used that do not cause serious side effects in the baby even though they pass into breast milk.
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