Postpartum Depression: Self-Care Is Critical for the Mom and Her Baby

To help moms manage postpartum depression, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first oral medication specifically designed to treat postpartum depression: zuranolone. This medication can be a powerful tool. However, it is only one component in a strategy to enhance your well-being. If you are facing postpartum depression, self-care is an important first step to take.

“Postpartum depression is a serious mood disorder that can have significant consequences for both the mother and her baby if not addressed,” says Peyton Erb, board-certified physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “Zuranolone offers hope if you experience postpartum depression. Having a proactive self-care strategy is also essential. With the right plan, you can overcome postpartum depression and enjoy time with your baby.”

Read More: For Women, Health Care Is Self-Care

What Is Postpartum Depression?

The days and weeks following the birth of your baby are filled with a lot of big emotions. Your baby, once safe and warm in the womb, is suddenly confronted with a bright and noisy world. As a mom, you are adapting to life with a new baby.

Along with those changes, your body is going through hormone shifts, which, combined with sleepless nights, can understandably leave you feeling overwhelmed and even sad. These are the “baby blues,” which describes the anxiety, crying, insomnia and mood swings you may experience during the first few days after delivery.

However, if that sadness persists and evolves into feelings of emptiness, apathy, hopelessness and disconnection from your baby, you may have postpartum depression, a serious mental health disorder that can negatively impact your and your baby’s health. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor.

When to Reach Out to Manage Postpartum Depression

Knowing if or when to seek help for postpartum depression is difficult. You may feel like you should be able to handle everything on your own when caring for a newborn. However, if you experience symptoms of postpartum depression for longer than two weeks, you likely need a higher level of postpartum care. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Changes in appetite
• Chronic headaches or stomach aches
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions
• Disinterest in your baby
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
• Frequent crying
• Inability to bond with your baby
• Lack of energy
• Loss of interest in things you enjoy
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
• Withdrawal from loved ones

If you feel embarrassed or nervous to reach out for the help you need, consider this. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one of the leading causes of preventable maternal mortality is suicide resulting from a perinatal mental health condition. Just because you cannot see an emotional or mental health condition, it does not mean that it does not exist. Like a heart condition or a broken bone, your postpartum depression needs the appropriate treatment so that you can heal.

Finding Solutions: Self-Care Is for Everyone

If you have postpartum depression, you and your doctor will work together to design a plan that will help you manage the condition. Depending on your symptoms, a tailored treatment strategy may include medication, such as zuranolone, talk therapy or regular visits with a support group. Self-care is also an important piece of the puzzle.

“If you have a mental health challenge as a new mom, you must be proactive about your emotional and physical wellness by taking good care of yourself,” Erb says. “Give yourself permission to let family and friends help you as you get the help you need.”

Steps you can take to improve your well-being when living with postpartum depression include:

• Connecting with people who understand. Find support groups that include other women with postpartum depression. You can trade stories and tips to encourage one another.
• Avoiding dramatic moves. Now is not the time for major lifestyle changes, such as quitting your job or relocating. Keep your stress levels as low as possible. Welcoming a new baby into your world is enough change for a while.
• Going out. Even if you don’t feel motivated, make yourself visit a friend, go to dinner or see a funny movie. Take an exercise class, go to church — anything that makes you feel more like yourself.
• Prioritizing rest. Make time to sleep and find other ways to relax, even if that means asking your partner, spouse or loved one to babysit or help with chores.
• Reaching out to people you love and trust. Do not feel that you need to carry your burden by yourself. Talk with friends and family about what you are going through. The people who love you also want you to be well.

Read More: 10 Healthy Habits to Start Right Now

Are You at Risk of Postpartum Depression?

All women who have just given birth are at risk for postpartum depression. However, several factors can increase the likelihood that you will experience the condition. These risk factors include:

• Alcoholism or substance abuse
• Being younger than 20
• Experiencing depression during pregnancy
• Family or personal history of mental illness, such as bipolar disorder
• Financial problems
• Having a baby with special needs
• Lack of support from loved ones
• Trouble with breastfeeding

Find a Beaufort Memorial OBGYN who can help you navigate the journey before, during and after your pregnancy.