Maternal depression
Maternal depression and childbirth As soon as the man and the woman marry, the conversation begins about having children, which is one of the stages that every girl and every young man aspires to because of its positive effects, whether on society or on the individual. Without having children, life cannot continue
It is not possible to form the family through which societies are formed. Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and changing stages, both psychologically and physically, and when a mother gives birth to her newborn until the joy overwhelms her heart
however, her heart may touch feelings of sadness and depression, so what is the difference between motherhood and postpartum depression? The joy of motherhood after childbirth After the stage of pregnancy ends safely, and the new baby launches its first cry in this life, the parents are filled with happiness and joy
Also, motherhood changes the woman internally and externally, to adapt the woman to her new life. As different hip widths, chest shape, and even clothes. After childbirth, the mother needs the father’s support and assistance
the Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Johns Hopkins Center notes that mothers are anxious about many things after the birth; Such as fear that something will happen to the child, or not producing enough milk, and this leads to emotional disturbances and anxiety,
all that a woman should do so that the feelings of joy and pleasure continue; Asking and accepting help from her husband and those around her.
What is the difference between maternal depression and postpartum depression?
The mother suffers after childbirth in two different situations, and is often confused between them, namely maternal depression and postpartum depression, and in what follows the difference between them: Maternal depression and its symptoms or what is known as postpartum depression, a mood disorder that occurs among women after childbirth, as it is estimated at between 50 -85% of mothers who suffer from maternal depression, and it should be noted that maternal depression is not considered a psychological disease, but rather a common birth symptom. Like pain after childbirth and bleeding
The symptoms of maternal depression differ for different mothers, and in general, they include the following:
Fatigue and general fatigue. Anxiety. Sudden waves of melancholy. Feeling joy sometimes and sadness at other times, and this may be within one minute. Feeling of not being able to take care of the baby. Irritability and anger.
Difficulty making decisions. Eating problems. Difficulty concentrating.
How long does the maternity blues last?
What distinguishes maternal depression most from other mood disorders after childbirth is anxiety, which is a temporary condition, as symptoms appear days after childbirth and reach a peak between 4 or 5 days after childbirth, and for most women, maternal depression lasts for two weeks. From that, it indicates the incidence of postpartum depression.
Treating Maternity Blues Feelings of depression do not mean that they are natural and do not warrant treatment and support on the contrary; It is imperative to treat maternal depression through the following options:
Follow a healthy diet:
It is important for the mother to eat healthy foods that are rich in adequate protein and eat foods that are easy to digest.
Get enough sleep:
The mother should make sleep the most important priority for her, regardless of the method, by sleeping when the child sleeps, or by seeking help from a husband or family member, to take care of the child, and to sleep for a sufficient period. Comfort: The mother should, after childbirth, realize that she will not be able to do all the housework on her own, and quickly, so she should not do all the housework, but rather the husband or family should help.
How long does postpartum depression last?
What distinguishes postpartum depression from maternal depression is that depression lasts longer than puerperal depression and may last for several months, and to distinguish between symptoms of postpartum depression and puerperal depression, symptoms of depression are for a longer and more severe period, and may interfere with normal life activities Take care of the baby.
depression symptoms usually appear weeks after birth, and they may start early, that is, during pregnancy, and they may appear in later times, a year after birth.
Postpartum depression treatment
depression usually goes away on its own, but some treatments and measures must be taken that include the following:
Making lifestyle changes:
And that by doing some exercise, and eating healthy foods. Psychotherapy: in which the doctor teaches the mother how to deal with negative fears and feelings, and solve problems. Drug treatment: The doctor may recommend an antidepressant.
