Maternal Mental Health Matters: Shedding Light on Postpartum Depression

“In my first pregnancy, I gave birth to my low birth-weight twins at 37 weeks of gestation. It was a cesarean birth because doctors were concerned about their growth and my baby boy was not getting sufficient blood supply. Nothing could have prepared me for the roller coaster of emotions I felt. I was crying all the time. It seemed like I had lost control of my life, and the two little beings were now in command of me…”

“I felt inadequate as a mom, not only because of my seeming inability to take care of them but also because I didn’t feel any love for them. My husband and family were very supportive but it still took me 2 months to feel the first hints of attachment to my babies. I still cherish the memory when I was holding my baby girl and watching us in the mirror. I thought to myself, isn’t she adorable?”

That is a mother’s true story. In fact, this mother is also a doctor. 

Postpartum depression is real and it adversely affects the family dynamics. As such, it’s necessary to create awareness about this condition. In this article, we shed light on some of the aspects of maternal depression after giving birth. 

Postpartum depression defined

Simply put, postpartum depression is the depression that a mother suffers from after giving birth. It usually starts within the first couple of weeks after giving birth and can occur within a year of having the baby. It has a high incidence rate, affecting 1 in 8 women.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Some of the signs suggesting a woman is suffering from postpartum depression include:

• Persistent anxiety, sadness and low mood
• Loss of energy
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Difficulty falling asleep at night and feeling sleepy at day
• Difficulty in concentrating and making decisions
• Feeling inadequate as a mom
• Frightening thoughts of hurting self or baby

Differentiating postpartum depression from “baby blues”

Postpartum blues or “baby blues” affect more than half of postnatal women in the first two weeks of having a baby. The mother experiences crying spells, unhappiness and fatigue. The condition is not long-lasting and usually resolves in 1-2 weeks. Although, support from the partner, friends and family is required. 

On the other end of the spectrum is Postpartum psychosis, a serious mental health condition that should be treated as a medical emergency.

Factors predisposing to postpartum depression

After giving birth, certain hormonal changes make women prone to develop postpartum depression. Although anyone can experience it, women with the following risk factors are at increased risk:

• Previous history of depressive illness
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• A difficult pregnancy or birth experience
• Giving birth to twins or higher-order multiples
• If the baby is sick or needs to stay in the hospital
• Experiencing financial issues
• Single mothers or those going through a rough patch with their partners
• Lack of support from family and friends

Getting treatment for postpartum depression

Depression doesn’t resolve on its own. Be open to lifestyle modification and treatment.

Talking Therapy

Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy involves sharing your emotional challenges with a mental health professional, who then advises you on coping strategies.

Medications

If other measures fail, your doctor may prescribe you antidepressant medications, which are safe to take while breastfeeding.

Lifestyle measures to cope with postpartum depression

In addition to treatment, modifying your way of life can bring about positive changes, which help decrease depressive symptoms. Some of these lifestyle changes include:

Practice self-compassion

Take out some me-time and prioritise your rest and sleep. Your sleep is as necessary as the baby’s. Engage in activities that give you mental peace and relaxation like reading a book, gardening or meditation. 

Take a break from the monotony of your life by going for a movie night with your partner or planning an unforgettable family trip to your chosen destination. Don’t hesitate to delegate household chores or baby care to the supporting hands of family and friends.

Join support groups

Seek guidance and support from online support groups of other new moms going through the same phase of life. Sharing your feelings and learning about other women’s mental challenges can help ease your insecurities. You can also learn helpful tips to care for newborn babies on these platforms.

Eat a healthy diet and engage in regular workouts

A nutritious diet is essential as it boosts energy and helps your body recover smoothly. Regular exercise is also very helpful as it releases endorphins in the brain, which are natural mood boosters. Workouts also build strength and stamina and help you get back in shape.

Rekindle your intimate relationship

Remember that before your baby enters the scene, it’s just you and your partner. So rejuvenate those moments by communicating your feelings, going out on romantic dates, and spending alone time with each other. Keeping the spark alive in your relationship reduces the feeling of worthlessness and improves self-esteem.

Some couples, however, may struggle with less gratifying intimacy due to the woman’s physical changes, like vaginal laxity and perineal scarring, occurring after childbirth. In this situation, consult a doctor who can perform a treatment that promotes healthier vaginal mucosa and improved natural lubrication.

Communicate your feelings 

Don’t keep your emotions to yourself. Express them to your loved ones and seek their comfort and company. They may be able to offer solutions to your problems. Writing a diary or starting a blog is also a good way to have an outlet for your thoughts.

Common misconceptions about postpartum depression

It only affects women

Postpartum depression can also affect fathers. Partners of women having postpartum depression are more likely to develop it.

It only occurs in postnatal phase

Although it commonly occurs postnatally, it can develop during pregnancy and continue to postpartum period. It may then be referred to as perinatal depression.

It goes away on its own

It doesn’t. It’s treatable with psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle measures.

It starts right after birth

It can develop even later, within one year of having the baby.

It means you have failed as a mother

Doubting your parenting skills is a sign of postpartum depression. Such feelings do not reflect your parenting abilities.

To summarise

Postpartum depression is a treatable mental health condition. Knowing about its signs and symptoms is essential. Get help if you develop it, as it negatively impacts your family life. Its management includes lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

Remember the mother’s story at the beginning? You’d be happy to know she defeated postpartum depression. The twins are now 11 years old and have become the older brother and sister to three more.

About the Author

Dr. Ammar Mahmoud is a highly respected cosmetic gynecological surgeon known for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures. He has a particular focus on sexual wellness and function. He has trained at St. George’s University, where he served as Vice President of the Medical Honor Society and on the board of the Anatomical Clinical Research Society. Dr. Mahmoud also completed his residency at the State University of New York Downstate, where he currently serves as a clinical associate professor. In recent years, he has given a keynote speech on advanced labiaplasty and vaginoplasty techniques and has been a faculty member at the International Cosmetic Gynecology Conference in 2018 and 2019. Dr. Mahmoud is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery. He is dedicated to providing his patients compassionate and professional care based on individual needs.