Many women feel somewhat sad and anxious after becoming a mother, and significant mood swings can be observed; these differences are called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression begins insidiously within the first six weeks after childbirth and improves within a few months, but it can also persist for up to 1-2 years. There are many causes for this depression. The rapid decrease at childbirth in the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which increase during pregnancy—namely the sex hormones that protect the menstrual cycle and pregnancy—or thyroid problems in late-onset postpartum depression can be contributing factors. Additionally, vitamin B9 can also be effective in postpartum depression.
During this depression period, the mother's mind may be confused, her eyes may constantly fill with tears and her attention may be scattered, deep sighing may be observed, and she may feel pain in every part of her body. This condition, called postpartum blues, is normal after childbirth. Within 1 week or 10 days, the mother will adapt to her baby and new living space and gradually grasp how she should behave.
For women who have no experience in motherhood, the support they find from their close circle in the early days is very important. Mothers who had a difficult pregnancy, experienced the risk of miscarriage, or got pregnant with difficulty may think that they will lose their babies at any moment and may be tense, anxious, and flustered.
What Are the Causes of Postpartum Depression?
Along with the hormonal differences caused by postpartum depression, psychological reasons are also observed. These psychological reasons; differences may be experienced after birth in connection with stress, interpersonal relationships, and receiving social support.
Mothers who think that external factors govern their lives more than themselves are in a higher risk group for depression after birth. Within the first three days after birth, hormones return to their pre-pregnancy levels; in addition to chemical differences, social and psychological differences associated with having a baby also increase the risk of depression.
What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
This phase presents itself with conditions such as intense sadness or a feeling of emptiness, depersonalization, extreme exhaustion, lack of energy, and physical complaints as depression symptoms that may occur after birth. Along with this, distancing oneself from family, friends, or pleasurable activities, the mother's belief that she does not love her baby enough, or doubts about the baby's feeding and sleeping, and the fear of harming the baby can be symptoms of depression. We can list other depression symptoms as follows;
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory impairment
- Increase in psychomotor activity
- Irritable mood and anxiety
- Nausea, vomiting
- Panic attacks and loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Rejection of the baby
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Thoughts of death and suicide
How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?
Postpartum depression symptoms vary according to the severity and type of depression. Therefore, antidepressant medications or participating in an educational support group may be among the treatment options. Breastfeeding mothers can use medication during the depression period under the control of a specialist doctor.
Postpartum depression that cannot be treated can pose a danger to the mother and baby. Mothers who experience depression after pregnancy should not ignore this condition. New mothers should definitely seek professional support if they cannot cope with daily situations, think about harming themselves or the baby, and spend most of the day in extreme anxiety, nervousness, or panic. During the postpartum period, there should be an understanding, experienced, and helpful adult by the mother's side.
Along with the baby, the spousal relationship may be reshaped and emotional problems may be experienced; individuals should be informed about this in advance and it should be known that this situation is temporary.