Postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression, refers to a type of depression that new mothers experience after childbirth, commonly during the postpartum confinement period, primarily due to physiological and psychological factors. Symptoms of postpartum depression include tension, doubt, guilt, fear, and in more severe cases, feelings of despair, thoughts or actions of running away from home, harming the baby, or even suicide.
What are the manifestations of postpartum depression?
1. Loss of appetite: Experts indicate that patients with postpartum depression may exhibit a significant lack of appetite. Even when faced with foods they normally enjoy, they may show no interest in eating, and concurrently, their weight may noticeably decrease.
2. Abnormal mood swings: Many patients with postpartum depression display obvious emotional abnormalities, such as agitation, depression, inexplicable anxiety, irritability, or sudden feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. They may feel worried and hopeless about their own lives and their baby's development. In severe cases, actions such as self-harm or harming the baby may occur.
3. Unresponsiveness to the outside world: Because patients are constantly immersed in a depressive mood, they may show a loss of interest in external matters and a lack of energy. Some may not even be able to live normally and remain in a low state for extended periods.
Secondly, how to deal with postpartum depression?
Family members should provide sufficient understanding and care to the mother suffering from depression, avoid putting mental pressure on her, communicate with her more often, observe her emotional changes, and provide timely guidance for negative emotions. They should give her confidence and hope to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. If symptoms are severe, consulting a doctor is advisable.
Additionally, the following preparations should be made adequately before childbirth:
1. Physically: Expectant mothers should pay attention to physical exercise during pregnancy to improve physical fitness, especially for women who often sit in offices. Daily participation in suitable aerobic activities can exercise cardiopulmonary functions, helping the body recover healthily as early as possible after childbirth to adapt to the busy role of being a mother.
2. Psychologically: Learn about childcare knowledge before birth to avoid being disorganized after the baby is born. For instance, methods of breastfeeding, bathing the baby, and correct baby-holding postures can be learned before birth through books, lectures, or observations. Also, learn about common disease prevention methods for children and be mentally prepared for unexpected situations.
3. Materially: Prepare the necessary funds, clothes, bedding, diapers, etc., for the baby's birth, and prepare a room for the mother and child.
4. Room conditions: The room should have plenty of sunlight, but it should not directly shine on the baby or the mother; window screens can be used to block it. Ventilate the room daily to replace stale indoor air with fresh air. Even in winter, this should be done; if afraid of the wind chilling the mother, have the mother and child stay in another room while ventilating.
5. Family atmosphere: Family members should not complain or blame regarding the baby's gender; whether the baby is male or female, they are your own flesh and blood. Accept the baby and the mother happily, creating a good and harmonious home environment for the mother.
6. Husband’s cooperation: It is best for the husband to stay with the mother for the first month after birth, assisting in baby care such as bathing the baby and changing diapers. Some husbands fear that the baby's cry will affect their sleep and thus sleep alone in another room at night, which may make the mother feel wronged and exacerbate depressive symptoms. Husbands should spend more time with the mother and understand her emotional abnormalities during the postpartum period, avoiding arguments. If on a business trip away from home, make efforts to return as soon as possible to care for the wife and child.
Finally, the mother's self-adjustment: Mothers should recognize the characteristics of postpartum psychology and try to avoid pessimistic emotions. Ensure sufficient sleep time and avoid over-fatigue. In leisure time, listen to some gentle, soothing music, or look at magazines with pictures, or read humorous stories to adjust the body and mind.
