Postpartum depression, which manifests itself with symptoms such as constant desire to cry, fatigue, physical symptoms, decrease in energy, increase or decrease in appetite, has started to attract more attention in recent years. Approximately 70-80% of women experience labor blues, while 10-20% may experience postpartum depression.
What is the Postpartum Period?
The postpartum period is the period that begins after the child is born and lasts until approximately the 40th day. Physiological and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy begin to return to normal during this period. When the high changes that occur during pregnancy suddenly return to normal, the mother may not be able to adapt to this situation immediately. In this case, postpartum depression may also occur.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
Women who have a history of depression in their family and past life history are genetically more prone to postpartum depression.
Estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise during pregnancy and fall suddenly with birth. Sometimes thyroid hormone may also decrease. Rapid changes in hormones also affect the chemicals in the brain, which can cause some psychological disorders such as depression. It is also thought that vitamin B9, anemia and folic acid deficiency may be effective in postpartum depression.
In addition to physiological factors, psychosocial factors can also cause postpartum depression: Lack of social support, marriages at an early or late age, poor socioeconomic conditions, the mother's previous miscarriage or loss of a child, the mother's other psychological problems. or having a physical illness, difficulty at birth, or a developmental defect in the baby.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
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One of the most important symptoms is that the mother does not want the baby or is not interested in the baby. In this case, while the mother, on the one hand, does not want the baby, on the other hand, she may become angry at herself and feel guilty for having such thoughts. During this process, the child may constantly fear that he or she may harm the child.
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He didn't love his baby enough While the process of taking care of the newborn baby disrupts the mother's sleep, postpartum depression can further exacerbate insomnia.
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The mother may have difficulty adapting to social life and feel excluded.
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Intense sadness, a constant desire to cry, along with a feeling of apathy and emptiness
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Decrease or increase in appetite
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Difficulty in concentrating and forgetfulness
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Decrease in personal care
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Physical complaints
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Constant feeling of tiredness
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Increase in irritability
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Panic attack symptoms
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Slowdown in motor movements
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Agitation (Restlessness)
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Suicidal thoughts
Postpartum Depression Treatment
In the postpartum period, emotional changes caused by hormones begin to return to normal within 2 weeks. However, if these symptoms persist after ten days, suspicion should begin. Postpartum Depression generally begins within the first 6 weeks after birth and can last up to 8 weeks. However, Postpartum Depression can continue for up to 2 years unless treated.
Medication, psychotherapy, or both of these can be used in the treatment of Postpartum Depression. If the mother does not have severe depression or suicidal thoughts, the decision about the treatment should be made together with the mother. One of the common misconceptions in this process is that psychiatric medications cannot be used during breastfeeding. If necessary, medications and medication dosages that do not harm the breastfeeding process can be adjusted for mothers.
In addition to drug treatment and psychotherapy, the mother should spare time for herself and her social life, have realistic expectations, have an experienced adult next to the mother, be informed about the physical and psychological changes that the mother will experience during the postpartum period, and especially for the first time. Receiving social support for people with this condition will help them get through this process more easily. During this period, some suggestions that may be useful are for the mother to exercise, stay away from alcohol and caffeine, not to stay at home all the time, to limit visits after birth, and for the mother to lie down and rest when the baby sleeps.
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