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Writer's pictureBirth & Bloom

Living with postpartum depression: ‘It’s common

Updated: Sep 18

Read about expat mom "Warda" that took almost 3 years to feel happy again.




“In the beginning, I didn’t feel very attached to the baby,” says Warda. “And I also I would cry for no reason, and I would have these long periods of loneliness; I didn’t want to meet anybody. I didn’t want to look at the baby and I would feel worthless. I couldn’t figure out why this was happening to me, because I was very happy [earlier] and my family was very happy. Of course I was grateful for the blessing – sometimes, you know, when you tell people, they say, ‘You are being ungrateful’, but I think that’s absolutely wrong and of course you are grateful for the gift, but it’s hard to explain that feeling that you get.”

Initially, say the doctors, a swaying of moods is expected. As is a mild case of PPD, also known as the baby blues..


The 3 Types of PPD

Baby blues

What is it? A usual phase that happens due to a decrease in oestrogen levels.

Symptoms:


  • Mood-swings

  • Anxiety

  • Sadness

  • Irritability

  • Lack of concentration

  • Poor appetite and

  • Sleeping problems


Treatment: Manageable with familial support and help with the baby.


Postpartum depression

What is it? If the period of baby blues continues, it may well be that the new mum is facing postpartum depression.

Symptoms:


  • Depressed

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Excessive crying and intense irritability and anger

  • Severe anxiety and inability to bond with the baby

  • Insomnia or sleeping too much

  • The mother may have thoughts of harming herself or her baby – but these are just thoughts

Postpartum psychosis

What is it? The most dangerous of depressions, this can cause a new mother to behave in an irrational way. She may at this point be a danger to herself or her baby.

Felt after: The first three months after the birth


Symptoms:


  • Confusion

  • Disorientation

  • Depression

  • Hallucinations

  • Delusions

  • Attempts to harm herself and her baby



Struggling with PPD? Contact Birth and Beyond first in home or virtual assistance.





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Natural Therapies For Postpartum Care


As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may be wondering what postpartum care options are available to you. Acupuncture and other therapies can be a great way to help with postpartum recovery. Here we will explore some of the most common acupuncture and therapy treatments used for postpartum care, as well as their benefits:


Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is an amazing tool to help with the postpartum period. It helps to expel any retained blood and placenta from the uterus, prevents hemorrhoids, helps with constipation and diarrhea, balances hormones, helps with anxiety and depression, boosts energy levels, decreases inflammation, and aids in overall healing.


Postpartum Massage:

A postpartum massage can help to relieve any tension…


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