It is undeniably a marvelous, one of a kind experience to become a mother. But what if, in what’s supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life, depression gets the better of you?
Many women believe that they will go right back to how they were pre-pregnancy – physically, mentally and emotionally – once the baby has been delivered. But what most moms quickly find is that it takes weeks and even months to feel like their old selves again, and they may realize even then that they’re not really their old selves. They are someone new, someone that may or may not be recognized by them. Mothers, they are.
Postpartum depression (PPD) – a Major Health Concern
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health concern that affects about 13% of women within a year of childbirth. While depression rates do not appear to be higher in women after childbirth relative to age-matched control women (10-15%), first onset and extreme depression rates are at least three times higher. At this vital time of life, depression takes the woman and her family with unique definitions and threats. Women with elevated risk factors for PPD can be detected, but the unacceptably low positive predictive values of all currently available antenatal screening tools make it hard to recommend them for routine treatment. There are many postpartum screening tools, but the optimum period for screening and its applicability to multicultural communities has not yet been identified. Depression screening services meta-analysis usually suggest that depression screening needs to be combined
With systemic paths for case referral, well-defined and enforced treatment plans to achieve the benefits of the outcome. Sadly, PPD tends to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Studies say that PPD is suitable for the same medical measures as general depression, but there are few randomized controlled trials to guide this population’s practice and policy.
Everyone adjusts differently to motherhood, but 70 to 80 percent of all new moms experience the ‘Baby Blues’ and can feel sad, anxious and weepy for up to two weeks after delivery, the American Pregnancy Association reports. As your hormones begin to balance out this is completely normal, but if the feelings persist or increase in severity, you may experience postpartum depression, which affects 10 to 20 percent of new moms in the first year. If you think this might be the case, contact your doctor right away to seek professional treatment.
There is evidence of short-term adverse effects of maternal PPD on young children’s emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal development, but these appear to be time-limited. However, it seems more likely that prolonged or recurrent periods of maternal depression will cause longer-term effects on children. Public health interventions are emerging to reduce or mitigate the effect of PPD on the relationship between mother and child or the development and development of children, and current evidence makes it difficult to recommend them as standard practice.
5 Foods to avoid Postpartum Depression
Although there is much to be learned about postpartum depression and there is not just one cause, diet, along with exercise, stress, lack of support and depression history, has been identified as one of the risk factors. To help mitigate your risk and improve your mood, here are 5 foods that contain essential nutrients.
1. Wild Salmon
You hear a lot about the importance of consuming Omega-3/DHA during pregnancy, but once you deliver the baby, the advantages continue for you. Fueling up on things like wild salmon, sardines, walnuts and flaxseeds helps with brain function and may help keep depression at bay, as recent studies show.
2. Greek Yogurt
Great sources of protein and vitamin D are full-fat Greek yogurt and other dairy products such as milk and cheese. If you can eat milk without any problems, incorporating these into your diet will provide you with a nutrient boost throughout the day and keep you happy.
3. Organic Eggs-a bonus if they are DHA-enriched!
For new moms, eggs are such a great staple-not only do they make for a quick meal or snack, but they are packed with vitamin D, protein and B vitamins. Deficiency in these nutrients has been linked in the general population to depression due to the role they play in regulating mood.
4. Whole Grains
Whether you choose oats, brown rice or whole wheat pasta, whole grain foods give an energy boost to your body and are linked to increased serotonin levels, a natural mood stabilizer that is also known as the happy chemical.” They are also chock full of fiber, iron and other key nutrients that will help keep your blood sugar, energy and mood stable.
5. The Beans and Lentils
What makes this dietary staple such a great choice for new moms is the fiber, protein and iron found in lentils and beans. They make vegetarian and vegan diets a great source of protein and can be added to almost any meal to pack a larger, nutrient-dense punch. Fiber ensures that your digestive system remains on track and helps to control blood sugar.
