A Mother’s Love: Dealing with Postpartum Depression
By Sheniqka Miller
A mother’s love is eternal. She can love her child more than anything. Motherhood is one of the most
important parts of a woman’s life, and it requires a lot of love, dedication, commitment and energy. What happens when a mother knows these things but simply cannot relate to being a mother just yet? It is very likely that she may be suffering from postpartum depression.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.
Why Do You Get It?
Hormone levels rise when you are pregnant. After the birth of your baby, hormone levels decline dramatically. Ladies, I am sure you can relate to experiencing hormonal changes. Think back on your moody moments before the start of your menstrual cycle. Did you notice your sense of emotions were heightened? Some of us handle this better than others. For pregnant women, depression can be triggered after the birth of their offspring due to the quick change in their hormone levels.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have a history of suffering from depression, you are also more susceptible to having postpartum depression. However, every woman does not have similar histories or deal with the same symptoms. Listed below are common things to look out for:
• Sadness, loss of hope, or despair
• Feeling unable to care for your baby or do basic chores
• Crying a lot, sometimes for no real reason
• Trouble feeling close to your baby, or “bonding”
• Less interest in food, sex, self-care and other things you used to enjoy
• Too much sleep
• Trouble with focus, learning, or memory
Diagnosis and Treatment of Postpartum Depression
It is a great idea to do your own research to obtain a clear understanding of this type of depression and its symptoms. Keep in mind, only a doctor can diagnose you with postpartum depression. The doctor will inform you if you have the depression and will educate you on ways to treat it. Through my own research, I have found that medications such as (antidepressants) are commonly prescribed for patients suffering from this condition. According to psychiatrists, these drugs help balance certain brain chemicals linked to depression. Most are safe to take while you breastfeed. Just be sure to let your doctor know if you’re nursing. Check out Mind Body Green to learn more on the subject!
It is a great idea to do your own research to obtain a clear understanding of this type of depression and its symptoms.
Natural Remedies That May Help Postpartum Depression
The desire to live a clean and holistic lifestyle or to continue this journey may make seeking treatment for postpartum depression seem difficult, but it is very possible. Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can last for months or longer. The question that arises: Can natural remedies help? There are alternative
options out there, but it is best to keep your doctor very much a part of your holistic treatment plan. Healthline, a privately-owned provider of health information, offers a variety of options that could be helpful. Here are a few suggested supplements and foods from the website:
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin B-12
Check out Healthline to weigh in on what additional options may be available to provide you relief. If you or someone you know start treatment, don’t stop until well after you feel better. Maintain excellent communication with your doctor and keep a close support system near. A mother’s love is the best love a child can have. It is even better when the mother is feeling healthy of mind, body and spirit! There is nothing like a mother’s love.
AFIYA Magazine looks to enhance the awareness and knowledge of wellness issues important to African-American women while providing a platform for us to grow, expand, and develop within our personal and professional lives.
