Prevention of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can overtake you, even if you are surrounded by the loving care of her husband. As a rule, this state is defined as a temporary depression, which is undergoing a woman after childbirth. Learn to identify the symptoms of postpartum depression and learn about effective ways to combat it.

According to statistics, postpartum depression is subject to every tenth woman in labor. Most often its main victims are women of reproductive age (25-45 years). In addition, women are more prone to depression than men.

Often confused with postpartum depression stress (baby blues), which is experiencing after birth almost every woman. The level of stress and anxiety gradually decreases as the stabilization of hormone levels of mother and child. The main symptoms of baby blues do not require treatment. Coping with stress helps careful nursing, recreation and encouragement of family, friends or socializing in specialized support groups. Postpartum depression lasts much longer (up to one year) and often requires medical attention and special treatment. This state - mental illness, whose symptoms are not too different from other types of depression symptoms. However, postpartum depression is different from them that is related to a specific event - the birth of a child.

Who is prone to postpartum depression: risk category

There is a certain age or other criteria that would determine the susceptibility to postpartum depression. It affects women of all ages, social classes and nationalities. It does not depend on how many times you become a mother - the first or the third. It can occur after the birth of your first or fourth baby, and it is possible relapses. Especially to the emergence of a post-natal depression following circumstances:

• Familial predisposition to depression in general and postnatal depression, in particular
• The presence of such experience after the birth in the past
• Heavy flows premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• The lack of appropriate care and support from the husband or partner
• Mental illness
• The transfer of severe stress during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Young mother suffering from postpartum depression, can not provide adequate care for the child, such as a healthy mother. It may refuse to breastfeed and do not feel a strong emotional connection with the baby. Postpartum depression can interfere with normal growth and development of the baby and cause him problems with behavior and sleep and slowing activity.

Postpartum depression can be prevented

Early diagnosis and determination of the change of mood and character are of vital importance for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. Here are some effective ways to prevent postpartum depression Depression :

• Find out whether your family in cases of postpartum depression
• Consult a doctor to determine possible risk factors
• Watch for changes in self-esteem
• Seek support without delay and hesitation
• Do not refuse the help of others and how to relax
• Plan chores and work in accordance with its present state
• Spend more time with her husband and loved ones

How to treat postpartum depression

Strong emotional, social and physical support in conjunction with the discussion of the problems with the doctor and friends (speech therapy) and medication greatly facilitate recovery from a depression. Since postpartum depression - yet the condition is temporary and occurs only after the birth of a child without medical advice is sometimes not enough. Verification and diagnosis of the disease, doctors start with the examination and identification of symptoms. To determine the level of thyroid hormone is prescribed a blood test. The type of treatment depends on the complexity of the state of the young mother. For treatment using one of the following means or a combination thereof.

Medications: Antidepressants called "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" used successfully for the treatment of postpartum depression. They increase the content of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, the hormone needed to maintain a balance. These drugs have few side effects and are not dangerous to the health of the child. However, the lasting effect of these antidepressants for a child not yet clearly established. Doctors recommend pre-weigh the potential risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, and then choose the treatment option.

Psychotherapy: consultation with an experienced psychologist, therapist or other specialist in this area will also help to cope with postpartum depression. Talking to a therapist, psychologist or social worker teaches a woman to rebuild the familiar paradigm of thinking, to change the current pattern of behavior and reactions to events. Frank advice face to face - an effective tool struggle with postpartum depression.

Social support: mothers suffering from postpartum depression, can take the help of specialized support groups - public services or groups for young parents, where you will be able to discuss all outstanding matters and share their problems with other women - your comrades in misfortune. Every woman should strive to recover and take yourself to do some steps. These tips will help you get back on the road to recovery.

• How should I get enough sleep, eat well and get as much physical activity
• Do not overreach and do not recycle
• Opravtes on country picnic
• Spend more time with her husband or partner, and tell him about my doubts and anxieties
• Join a support group to enrich their experience in dealing with depression
• Do not lose touch with reality

If you have just experienced the joy of motherhood for the first time, do not hide their feelings (no matter how unexpected and contradictory they may be) from their family and friends. Do not hesitate to ask for help and advice on how to cope with the challenges of motherhood. Let your child feel your very love and care.

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