By Alana Gold, Registered Dietitian

You’ve been through it all these past nine months—nausea, weight gain and labor—to finally find yourself with a beautiful baby ready to call you mommy! You and your family are excited to begin this new phase of your life, so, why do you have these feelings of unhappiness and anxiety? Shouldn’t this be the happiest time of your life?

Feelings of depression after having a baby are actually very common, with 1 in 10 women experiencing some form of postpartum depression. Read on as Truestar Health helps you understand what postpartum depression is and how to treat it naturally.

What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that is characterized by a variety of physical and emotional changes experienced by women after having a baby. There are three types of PPD:

The baby blues: The term “baby blues” refers to feelings of depression, anxiety, sadness, loneliness and mood swings mothers experience in the days after giving birth. In fact, 70 to 80% of women report having the baby blues after childbirth. The baby blues can last a few hours or as long as one to two weeks after giving birth. It isn’t always necessary to seek treatment, but some moms find support groups for new moms or talking with other new moms helpful. 

Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression occurs a few days or months after giving birth. Women with PPD have feelings of depression, anxiety and sadness similar to the baby blues, but feel them much more intensely. These women have trouble coping with their daily lives and need to seek immediate help from a healthcare provider. If treatment is withheld, PPD may become worse or may last as long as one year. 

Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of depression affecting about 0.1% to 0.2% of women. Postpartum psychosis can occur as quickly as within the first three months after childbirth. Women with postpartum psychosis have delusions, hallucinations and exhibit strange feelings and behaviors that can be focused on harming themselves or their babies. These women need to seek treatment immediately; they may be hospitalized and are usually given medication.

How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
Women who have PPD can experience a variety of symptoms. Click here to learn some of the signs and symptoms of PPD. See your healthcare practitioner immediately if you have any of these signs.

Are you at risk for postpartum depression?
PPD can affect all women regardless of age, economic status or racial background. Any woman who is pregnant, who has had a baby in the past few months, who has miscarried or has recently weaned a child from breast-feeding can experience PPD. PPD can occur with your first child or with subsequent children. Postpartum depression has also been shown to occur more often in women who have had previous problems with depression than in those who have no history of depression.

What causes postpartum depression?
The exact cause of PPD is unknown; however, it is likely a result of body, mind and lifestyle factors.

How do you treat postpartum depression?
Rest assured, PPD is treatable and will go away with proper treatment. Traditional approaches to treating PPD are medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy. Support groups are also highly recommended.

Many women are reluctant to take medications while nursing and many simply do not want to take medication, preferring to naturally treat PPD. Remember to speak with your healthcare practitioner before starting any treatment plan.

Click on the links below to learn more about natural ways to fight PPD:

• Diet
• Supplements
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Attitude

References