Are you searching for post partum depression treatment and causes? There are several causes for this type of depression.
One is due to thyroid hormone levels, cortisol, prolactin, progesterone and estrogen that reach very low levels after birth.
When these levels of hormones are too low, a woman can become moody, irritable, experience headaches, low energy, very tired while having difficulty sleeping.
Post partum depression (moderate to severe depression) affects 13% to 15% of new moms with duration ranging from several weeks to several months.
The mild form of postpartum “blues” seem to affect 50% to 80% of women within days or weeks after giving birth.
It appears that women that have experienced depression episodes before pregnancy, are more likely to be affected by postpartum depression.
Many women are also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby because of fatigue and sleep deprivation.
The hormonal and physical changes, sleep deprivation as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead to postpartum depression in some women.
While transient “blues” are common in new mothers, a full-blown depressive episode is not a normal occurrence and it may require post partum depression treatment.
During the 24 hours immediately following childbirth, the increased hormone levels a woman has had during pregnancy can now suddenly reach low levels, depending on the health of the woman.
Post partum depression medication and post partum depression treatment may be required and the family’s emotional support for the new mom are prime considerations in aiding her in recovering her physical and mental well-being and her ability to care for and enjoy the infant.
Estrogen and progesterone are the two most important hormones during pregnancy. Progesterone is the hormone responsible for the survival of the fertilized egg and as the placenta develops, the production of progesterone can go as high as 300 to 400 milligrams per day.
After delivery, the production of progesterone goes to very low levels. This is a huge change and some researchers feel that this definitely is one of the post partum depression causes.
Other studies go so far as to say that is has nothing to do with hormonal changes at all. They believe that it is the intense life changes that a woman goes through that cause the depression.
These changes are also fairly swift and researchers feel that many women are unprepared for them. Included in this group are sleep deprivation, low omega-3 levels, decreased exposure to sunlight, thyroid illnesses, estrogen dominance and low cholesterol levels after birth.
Most women are not prepared for waking up throughout the night to feed their new baby. They are already tired from the delivery and do not get to catch up on sleep quickly because they must be up once or twice a night.
Many women doubt themselves during this time. There is so much to learn when taking care of a new baby. They must discover how to feed, diaper, burp and clothe their precious bundle and feel overwhelmed by all this new responsibility. Some women feel they are losing their identities.
They have taken maternity leave and no longer feel that they are the same person. Now they are the baby’s mother and only that. No one needs them any more for the things they were good at. It is all for the baby.
On top of all that, they’re trying to regain their figure, adjust to new routines and responsibilities in a life that feels like its no longer their own. Whatever the case of postpartum depression, women need understanding, lots of love, post partum depression treatment, perhaps depression medication and support to get through this difficult period.
Women who are planning to breastfeed should be aware that small amounts of post partum depression medications will likely pass into the breast milk.
In some cases, steps can be taken to reduce the exposure of the nursing infant to the mother’s medication, for instance, by timing doses to post-feeding sleep periods. The potential benefits and risks of breastfeeding by a woman taking medications should be discussed and carefully weighed by the patient and her physician.
New moms experiencing this type of depression should make sure they exercise moderately. Maintaining a healthy weight is recommended – exercise is also known to improve your mood, your brain chemistry, increases the production of serotonin plus dopamine and it also boosts your immune system which helps protect you and your baby from infectious diseases.
Taking a high quality broad-spectrum nutritional women’s vitamin supplement plus Omega-3 fatty acids can help during this time. These supplements should be taken on a regular basis to help ensure that your body has enough of the nutrients needed to perform and function the way it is supposed to.
Books about post partum depression treatment and post partum depression causes.
Depression In New Mothers – Causes, Consequences & Treatment Alternatives by Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett
Book with information about post partum depression treatment and depression medications.
Learn how your hormones, diet, supplements and exercise will affect postpartum depression and what treatment alternatives you have.
A woman needs to understand the changes that are a normal part of pregnancy and the time after – steps to take to insure this wonderful time with a new child can be the experience like no other, in good ways!
Depression after Childbirth – Recognize, Treat and Prevent Postnatal Depression by Katherina Dalton, Wendy Holton
This book explains postnatal depression as a hormonal, rather than psychological, problem. Also offers women and their partners a resource for recognizing, treating and preventing the condition.
You will find information about post partum depression treatment, causes, medications and many more issues to help women cope with this devastating disorder.
There are effective ways to prevent this condition from disrupting the wonderful period in the life of a woman – read and enjoy what you’ll learn
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