After giving birth is the period when the mother needs to receive more attention and care from her family. Psychological and life changes have created an invisible burden for women. Sometimes, women feel forgotten by their own relatives and husband. These burdens cause many postpartum women to suffer from depression.
According to statistics, the current rate of women suffering from postpartum depression is up to 15% in the first 3 months. The rate increased up to 25% in the group of subjects 12 months after giving birth. That is an alarming number, there needs to be effective measures to support this group of people.
Families are invited to join Phuong Chau in learning about postpartum depression in the article below.
How scary is postpartum depression? (Photo source: Bac Giang Health Electronic Information Portal)
1. What is postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (TCSS) is a condition that involves feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. after birth. Postpartum depression can be detected and treated, and in some cases it can be prevented.
2. Causes of postpartum depression
Some reasons why postpartum women suffer from depression:
- Women's history of depression
- Hormonal changes
- Emotional and psychological factors: not ready to accept childbirth and take care of children
- Fatigue after giving birth
- Lifestyle: lack of care and support from husband and relatives.
How scary is postpartum depression? (Photo source: Bac Giang Health Electronic Information Portal)
3. How long does postpartum depression last
Postpartum depression usually appears about 1 - 3 weeks after giving birth. This condition can last up to 1 year.
4. Signs of postpartum depression
- Sad, hopeless mood
- Crying often, crying more than usual. Sometimes, I don't know why I cry
- Always feel panicked and scared
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions
- Often thinking about death and suicide
- Change in taste, loss of appetite, not wanting to eat. In some cases, people eat too much
- Not interested in many activities, afraid to contact others
- Do not believe in the ability to protect and nurture children
- Thoughts of harming yourself and your child appear
- Sleep disorder: sleeping less or more than usual
- Loss of sexual interest
How scary is postpartum depression? (Photo source: Bac Giang Health Electronic Information Portal)
5. How dangerous is postpartum depression?
- Sad, hopeless mood
- Crying often, crying more than usual. Sometimes, I don't know why I cry
- Always feel panicked and scared
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions
- Often thinking about death and suicide
- Change in taste, loss of appetite, not wanting to eat. In some cases, people eat too much
- Not interested in many activities, afraid to contact others
- Do not believe in the ability to protect and nurture children
- Thoughts of harming yourself and your child appear
- Sleep disorder: sleeping less or more than usual
- Loss of sexual interest
How scary is postpartum depression? (Photo source: Bac Giang Health Electronic Information Portal)
6. Treatment methods for postpartum depression
All TCSS treatment methods need to comply with the doctor's examination and orders. TCSS treatment methods:
* Psychotherapy:
Mother and psychologist talk about her emotions and how to manage them. Treatment time is usually only a few weeks but sometimes lasts several months or longer.
There are two forms of psychotherapy organization:
- One-on-one: mother and psychologist
- Group of people: the mother and a group of people with the same symptoms and a psychologist
* Antidepressants:
- Has the effect of balancing chemicals in the brain to control mood
- There are many different types of antidepressants, so they need to be prescribed by a doctor when used
- The duration of medication is about 3 - 4 weeks until the patient feels better
* Are antidepressants excreted in breast milk?
- Antidepressants can be excreted in breast milk. However, studies show that the drug content in breast milk is very low depending on the type of drug.
- Breastfeeding brings many benefits to both mother and baby. When deciding to use medication, mothers should consider the benefits and risks. Therefore, the mother should seek advice and guidance from an obstetrician.
7. Accompanying to help postpartum women overcome depression
According to studies, 80% of cases of TCSS can be fully recovered if given proper attention. That shows the huge role of the family, but importantly the husband himself.
So men, wives with postpartum depression need these things:
- Be close, encourage and share with your wife about labor and postpartum care
- Accompany and support your wife in housework and child care
- Connect your wife to her family so she doesn't feel abandoned or uncared for by anyone
- There is always a way to create a happy atmosphere, relieve stress, and unite families
About the mother herself:
- Always maintain a happy and comfortable mental state
- Need to confide in your husband or family when you feel difficult, mentally unstable or need support
- Actively receive attention from family and husband.
- Actively consult an obstetrician about breastfeeding, contraception, how to take care of your child,...
Sometimes the mother herself does not realize that she has TCSS. When you notice that the mother has signs of TCSS, you should see an obstetrician as soon as possible. Don't wait until the symptoms get worse, it's too late.
At Phuong Chau, postpartum care and recovery for mothers is always top priority. We proactively and make efforts to connect to increase the effectiveness of interactions between mothers, husbands and families.
During the boarding period, mother and family will be accompanied and instructed on how to take care of the baby. Specifically, bathing the baby, caring for the baby, breastfeeding, etc. Thereby increasing the connection between the mother and her family. And they will not feel lonely and invaded by negative emotions anymore.
Hotline 1900 54 54 66 is ready to support families with necessary information