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Being a parent changes your life and is full of joy, love, and excitement. That being said, it can also make some moms and dads feel sad, anxious, and have mental problems. Postnatal depression (PND), which is sometimes called postpartum depression, can happen after having a baby or during the late stages of pregnancy.
Postnatal depression is not a rare occurrence. About 1 in 7 new moms and some dads experience it. It’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you’re weak or a failure. You’re not alone; you can overcome it with the right help and support.
This blog post covers what postnatal depression is, its signs and symptoms, what causes it, and what you can do to get help and get better.
There is a type of sadness called postnatal depression that can happen after giving birth. Parents can feel tired, worried, or stressed after having a baby. But PND is more than just the “baby blues.”
Most parents have the baby blues for a few days to two weeks after giving birth. During this time, they may cry, have mood swings, and feel stressed. Luckily, these feelings usually go away on their own.
Postpartum sadness, on the other hand, can be much worse and last longer, affecting family life. It can make it hard to bond with your baby, do daily chores, and care for yourself. It can cause some adverse effects on the parent child relationship in the long run if it is not handled.
Different people can have other signs of postpartum sadness, but here are some common ones:
A lot of sadness or hopelessness: You may feel like things will never get better or that you can’t handle any more sadness.
No Interest in Usual Things: You may not be interested in things that used to make you happy, like spending time with family, hobbies, and caring for yourself and your baby. You lose interest in most things.
Having Trouble Bonding with Your Baby: You may feel distant from your baby or find it hard to connect emotionally with them. (Parent-child relationship)
Constant Fatigue: It’s normal for new parents to feel tired, but if you have postpartum depression, you may feel exhausted all the time, and you fail to rest even when you are not doing much.
Changes in Sleep and Appetite: You may lose your appetite or eat more than usual. You might also not be able to sleep, even when your baby is sound asleep, or spend too much time sleeping.
Feel Guilty: You may feel guilty or unworthy because you think you’re not a good parent or not taking care of your baby well enough.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks: People with PND may feel a lot of anxiety, worry, or panic attacks.
Getting irritated or angry: You may get angry quickly, even over small things.
Thoughts of Hurt: If your postpartum depression is terrible, you might think about hurting yourself or your baby. It’s essential to get help immediately if you have these thoughts.
Some Causes of Postnatal Depression can be complex and multifaceted. Understanding these causes can help you identify potential risk factors and take steps to mitigate them. Postpartum sadness isn’t caused by just one thing; a mix of physical, emotional, and social factors can all play a role. Here are some possible reasons:
Hormone Changes: Hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, drop significantly after birth. These changes can affect your mood and may make you feel depressed.
Sleep Deprivation: Many parents have trouble sleeping because newborns need care around the clock. It can be harder to deal with stress and feelings when you don’t get enough sleep.
Stress on the emotions: Becoming a parent can be too much. Caring for a newborn, changing your schedule, and getting used to your new role can all cause mental stress. (feel overwhelming)
History of Depression: You are more likely to get postnatal depression if you have a history of depression.
Lack of Support: Postnatal depression is more likely to happen if you don’t have good support from a partner, family, or friends. Feeling alone or separated can make depressive symptoms worse.
Birth Experience: Having a traumatic or challenging birth can also lead to postnatal sadness.
Postnatal Depression Management
You can get better from postpartum sadness with the right help, and you can enjoy life with your baby again. These top tips will help you get over postpartum depression: Parenting advice for new parents
1. Ask for help: Parenting Advice for New Parents
It’s okay to ask for help, as this is essential to healing. Talk about how you feel with your partner, family, or friends. You don’t need to handle this by yourself.
If you’re having trouble controlling your feelings, you might want to talk to a healthcare provider. Your doctor or nurse can discuss with you and tell you what might help. They might sometimes refer you to a therapist or psychologist who specializes in mental health after giving birth. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
2. Parenting Experts
These professionals can help you deal with the problems that come with postpartum depression. They can advise you on how to bond with your baby, deal with stress, and build a good relationship with your child. Your partner and support people may be involved in these sessions. Parenting Genie offers Parenting Live Experts 24/7, every day of the week.
3. Medications
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help with postnatal depression. It’s important to remember that this condition is treatable. Many people with postnatal depression find relief with antidepressants, mainly when used in conjunction with therapy. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of the medication, especially if you are nursing.
4. Get a lot of rest
It’s not always easy, but try to get as much rest as possible. Sleep is essential for mental health, and not getting enough sleep can make the signs of postpartum depression worse. Ask a family member or partner to help you feed the baby at night if possible, as this will give you more rest. (Sleeping through the night)
5. Take care of yourself
It’s not selfish to take care of yourself; it’s essential. Do the things you enjoy, even if it’s just for a short time. For example, read, take a bath, or go for a walk. You can also feel better by eating well, drinking enough water, and moving around.
6. Join Community Groups: Parenting Advice for New Parents
It can be beneficial to talk to other parents who are going through the same challenge. You can share when you feel comfortable and learn from other moms. There are a lot of groups available online and in person. Most parents find these groups very helpful.
7. Spend time with your baby
Postpartum depression can make it hard to bond with your baby, but there are easy things you can do to make your relationship stronger. Hold your baby, talk to them, and spend time with them. Taking these easy steps can help you feel closer to someone.
8. Make sure your goals are reasonable
You can ask for help when needed because nobody is perfect. Parenting can be challenging, but some stress can be lifted by setting reasonable goals for yourself and your child.
Postnatal depression is a severe but treatable condition that affects many new parents. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or disconnected from your baby, seeking help is essential.
Parenting Genie offers some services that are beneficial for new parents. Parenting Live Experts are available 24/7 for support and advice for new moms and dads. You don’t have to face postnatal depression alone—there are resources and people ready to help you through it.
Take things one step at a time, and remember that with the proper care and support, you will get through this challenging phase and thrive as a parent.
You can check PANDA for helpful resources on postnatal depression.
