It’s well known that the process of giving birth takes a toll on the mother’s body. Laboring for hours and ultimately pushing a new human being into the world is pretty exhausting. However, there’s one other aspect that we rarely pay attention to. I’m referring to the emotional and mental health impact that this process poses on new moms.
We rarely talk about postpartum depression (PPD) despite its debilitating effects and prevalence. Turns out that up to 1 in 7 women experience PPD. However, one in five women fail to disclose their symptoms. This means their postpartum depression remains untreated. This post seeks to shed more light on this condition and provide coping tips. Read on to learn more:
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Before I look at the coping mechanisms, it’s important to highlight common signs associated with PPD. This way, you can seek appropriate help in case you find yourself experiencing one or more of the symptoms. They include:
- Intense mood swings
- Tendency to cry frequently
- Struggling to bond with your newborn
- Isolating yourself from friends and family
- You eat too much or too little
- Difficulty sleeping
- Chronic fatigue
- Gets easily irritated
- Intense fear of not playing your parenting role well
- Feelings of despair and hopelessness
- Overwhelming anxiety
- Recurring suicidal thoughts
3 Tips to Overcome Postpartum Depression
There are a couple of things you can do to manage and effectively treat postpartum depression. These are:
Create a Secure Bond With Your Baby
One thing that can help you beat postpartum depression is forming a strong bond with your little one. Yes, it might be difficult initially. But this will also keep you engaged so you don’t give into your negative thinking patterns.
Building a bond simply means giving your little one attention whenever they ask for it. Respond to their emotional cues by picking them up when they cry, soothing them to sleep and reassuring them when they’re scared.
Besides, this not only benefits the baby but also boosts your mental well-being. Maintaining close contact with your baby triggers the release of oxytocin – a hormone that makes you feel happier. Even the Bible describes children as a precious gift from God; hence, they should be treated as such. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalms 127:3)
Prioritize Self-Care
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your new parenting role. So much so that most new moms barely remember to take care of their needs. However, it’s important to prioritize self-care. When you care for yourself first, you’ll have enough energy to devote to parenting. On that note, here are a few self-care tips for new moms:
- Follow a healthy diet – ensure you’re eating nutrient-rich foods that energize you and boost your milk production. The WebMD recommends eating fatty fish like salmon and herring. They’re rich in DHA – a type of fat that enhances your baby’s brain development.
- Rest – this might sound like a cliche but it’s true that you should “sleep whenever the baby sleeps.” Rest is essential to maintaining emotional and mental wellness. If you’re struggling to get enough rest, consider hiring a nanny. Or, enlist the help of friends and family members. They can hold the baby every once in a while to help you get some rest.
Gradually Resume Your Exercise Regimen
Based on credible research, exercising can actually mitigate the symptoms related to postpartum depression. In addition, it will help you sleep better, improve your energy levels, reinforce your abdominal muscles and relieve the stress of parenting.
Once you’ve fully recovered from the process of giving birth, start doing simple, gentle exercises. You can then intensify your workout as your body gradually adjusts to it.
