Postpartum Depression Help:

BUT woman shouldn’t suffer alone because there is help. Other women do suffer with this condition. It isn’t her fault, she didn’t cause it. There are a variety of options for treatment that a woman can use both at home and with the assistance of her physician.

There are groups that have been formed around women who suffer from postpartum depression that help women to talk in groups with others who understand what they are suffering. It can also help to have some individual therapy to help with coping strategies.

There has been limited research that suggests that anti-depressants also help to alter the chemical soup in the body to a more normal basis. These drugs do pass from mother to baby through breast milk so you should talk with your obstetrician and psychiatrist before using medication of any type. If you believe you may be taking these medications for a short time – 6 weeks – you may opt to pump for 6 weeks to maintain the milk supply, throwing out what you pump, until you are no longer taking the medication and the baby can nurse again.

Another helpful thing you can do to help your body recover is to get as much rest as possible. You may not be able to sleep but resting will also help. Nap if you can when baby sleeps.

Take the pressure off of yourself to accomplish everything and make it all perfect. Life isn’t perfect and never will be. Do what you can and leave the rest. It will still be there when you get back.

Ask for help with household chores from other children, family and spouse. Attempt to get some help in the house for part of the day to help with chores. Ask for meals from friends and family. Too many times women go without help because they just don’t want to ask. Imagine the shoe being on the other foot – you would be bringing meals to friends quickly – and they will do the same for you, you just have to let them know you need their help.

Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Don’t go through this alone. You aren’t alone. Talk with your partner, spouse, friends, family, mother, sister or brother. Find someone who is available to listen and give you support that you need. And don’t spend lots of time alone. If you aren’t resting or napping, grab baby and head out the door to the store or a friend’s house. Take a walk in the neighborhood or head to the park. Baby will sleep where ever you happen to be – it doesn’t have to be in a crib.

Don’t make any changes to your life or make any life decisions in this postpartum period. Major changes can cause stress and stress should be avoided.

Left untreated depression can hurt the mother, the family, the spouse, baby and friends and family. Some research has also found that women who experience depression during pregnancy have a higher risk of delivering an underweight baby or premature baby. This may be because women who are suffering from depression may have a difficult time taking care of themselves, eating enough, making their prenatal appointments or may turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs to ease their pain. 

All children deserve the chance to have a healthy mom and all moms deserve the change to enjoy their lives and their children. You don’t have to suffer alone – there are others who can help to support you and provide you with answers that will ease the pain. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing the pain of postpartum depression please tell a friend, or your doctor or midwife immediately.