why do women go into post-partum depression after child birth?
Friday, March 12th, 2010 at
11:24 am
any details or advice about depression would help me understand pregnancy.
Tagged with: after • Birth • Child • Depression • into • Postpartum • Women
Filed under: Depression after Pregnancy
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I think its mostly because all of a sudden you’re no longer ‘single’ your body looks bigger, and out of control, u constantly need to give all your attention to the baby, it just feels like u have no control of your life.
Because for nine whole months the attention is on them…then after the baby comes, all the attention is now focused on the child…they feel left out in a way because they are not getting the attention they were when they was pregnant…I know weird.
They’re hormones are all out of whack and their identitys change since they’re now a mom. A host to a new parasite.
Well It’s because the woman goes through alot of stress when she is in labour and also it doesn’t help if the father or anyone doesn’t help out with the baby like taking turns to get up in the middle of the night and feeding it. This helps to releve the stress being put on the mother. Some mothers don’t get the depression while others do and they come out of it while others…mainly single mothers… never come out of it. Like my mother.
I would look it up on web md. Also, they probably need a break. Your hormones get all out of wack during pregnancy.
After the baby comes there are all sorts of new responsibilities. I imagine it can be overwhelming. I’ll find out soon. If they had depression prior to the baby. They could be prone to it.
Things that can be done to improve your quality of life if you are depressed:
Breath, Get out of the house, go do some different activities, meet people, talk to family and friends, peppy upbeat music, dance, watch a comedy, study and apply positive thinking, self control, and improving your self esteem, go to counseling and a psychiatrist. Eat properly (6 small well balanced portions a day) & exercise.
Especially for new parents,
Get someone to help you with the baby, take nice long baths,
spend time together as a couple without the baby, rekindle the romance.
Remember, you will be of no use to your baby, your self, or anyone else if you don’t take care of you first. These may be difficult to do, force yourself. There is no shame in it. However, if you don’t do something about it. It can/will get out of control. GL
one word: HORMONES!
the same nasty little hormones that turn girls into angry, mean, volatile, crybabies during their period are responsible for “baby-blues” a less severe version of post-partum depression, but that is only 1 component of the cause, or else ALL mothers would experience post partum depression (and all mothers do not)
Having “baby blues” is common (and normal) up to two weeks from giving birth. at this time, the body is adjusting to no longer being pregnant. the mother may or may not be breast feeding, waking up at all hours of the night (=fatigue), and not have enough time/energy to take care of the baby AND herself.
some moms may feel inadequate: suddenly they realize they don’t know everything (and who does?) about taking care of a little baby; i’ve even had one mom tell me she thinks the baby doesn’t “like” her–sounds silly, but parenthood is a major life-changing event, coupled with no sleep AND physical fatigue, and changed body (self esteem issues), and financial crisis=silly ideas become very real fears!
the best thing to do is to assure the new mother that feeling depressed/moody within two weeks of birth is NORMAL and will soon subside. Help her out (or seek help from family/friends if you are the new parent) when you can…make her a meal, give her a few minutes to herself, do some laundry for her, etc.
if the deppression extends beyond the two weeks, that may be a problem. remind her to bring up the issue with the Dr./nurse during the newborn’s check ups so they can help with more info/reassurance.
also if the woman feels that the depression is compromising the baby’s safety (voices telling her to smother the baby, or not being able to meet the baby’s basic needs–feedings, diaperchanges, safe environment, etc) this is ALWAYS a problem and she needs to seek medical help immediately.
hope this helps.
I have to agree with jacqueline r~ women are all about hormones. Sometimes way to much and after pregnancy not enough. Women are more apt to depression than men. Its hard too, because you think you can control it and no matter how you try you just can’t. My doctor told me a woman changed hormonally every 7 years!