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From baby blues to depression – a guide to maternal mental well-being
It is essential to understand the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression as many of the symptoms are similar to each other. Expert believes

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motherhood There is an opportunity to realize extremely important and inspiring work. However, many times, it is only occasionally associated with mentally and emotionally stressful situations. Therefore, it is paramount to evaluate mental health after childbirth. It is important to understand the difference between sad child And postpartum depression Because many symptoms overlap.
Baby Blues Postpartum depression is common, and about 80 percent of women experience some symptoms in the first few weeks after delivery. postpartum thyroiditis This usually occurs several days after birth and can last from several days to two weeks.
Some other emotions that people experience are mood changes, increased levels of irritability and feelings of anxiety, and some mothers may cry due to too much stress. Such emotional changes are very important and serious when a woman is the mother of a child.
This is due to hormonal changesA factor that has been seen to cause dramatic changes in most women oxytocin hormone Immediately after birth in new mothers. Estrogens used in pregnancy are hormonal estrogens that are increased to prepare for the baby’s growth and birth. However, after childbirth, these levels drop significantly, and most mothers can switch from one mood to another. This is mainly because most women experience hormonal fluctuations during delivery, restlessness due to sleepless nights, stress of physical work during delivery and the responsibility of taking care of the newborn baby. However, common symptoms may include mild fever, fatigue, emotional changes, and weight loss, which can often be easily controlled and disappear once taken. hormonal balance is achieved and mothers return to their daily routine.
sad child
80 percent of new moms have baby blues and this is considered part of postpartum life. This condition usually develops a few days after delivery and can persist for up to two weeks. Mothers may experience a number of emotional and physical symptoms; Emotions experienced by people include mood swings, irritability, increased levels of anxiety and crying episodes which may be caused by worldly stress. When a woman is a mother caring for an infant, such emotional changes are very intense and significant. This happens due to sudden changes in hormones like oxytocin. estrogen, progesteroneetc. But, symptoms are mostly mild and resolve once the body’s hormones are balanced and mothers return to more normal activities.
management of baby blues
After childbirth, baby blues are challenging to manage, but if we keep a few things in mind, baby blues will be relatively easy to fight and do not require medical intervention in most cases.
managing stress
Managing stress after childbirth may sometimes seem impossible, but still, it can be managed with proper stress management techniques. Practicing mindfulness can help focus on the present moment, which can be especially beneficial during the difficult early days of motherhood. Deep breathing practices like pranayama can also play an important role in calming the mind.
Involvement of family and friends
Lack of support from family and friends is one of the causes of stress and low mood in the postpartum period. If family and loved ones are with them during this time, it can help resolve many of the mental health and child care issues of both parents.
nutritious food
In this stage, if the mother wants to remain physically and mentally healthy, it is very important to take adequate nutrients. Proper nutrition will help boost energy levels and thus mood. The second factor is equally relevant; That is getting enough sleep. Most new parents are forced to spend sleepless nights if they have to take care of the baby. This can be remedied by sharing parenting responsibilities to allow time for rest. These include rest and sleep, which conserve energy and enhance the quality of mood in the most general sense.
postpartum depression
Mental health issues such as postpartum depression (PPD) are also associated with childbirth that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after birth. Unlike common conditions referred to as the baby blues, which can be easily resolved in one to two weeks, PPD involves persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Postpartum depression is a more serious affliction that can begin during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. In general, this may persist for more than two weeks. Its symptoms are even more serious than the “baby blues.” This includes more chronic levels of sadness and hopelessness that last for more than two weeks.
Symptoms: The primary manifestations of this type of illness are low enthusiasm or depression, inability to engage in activities that used to be pleasantly rewarding, and social isolation. Many mother respondents displayed high indices of appetite and sleep patterns indicating fatigue and loss of energy as well as an increased sense of sadness. Other problems include difficulties with concentration or decision making, making caring for a newborn even more difficult. In its severe form, PPD can lead to thoughts of harming oneself or the baby, so such mothers should seek medical help as soon as possible.
risk
There are several factors that can increase the risk of postpartum mental health problems.
Personal history of mental health problems: If there is a prior history of mental health problems, it can serve as a catalyst for postpartum depression. These mental health problems can range anywhere from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder. Individuals with these backgrounds may be more vulnerable to emotional challenges after childbirth.
lack of social support or financial lack
Losing touch with family or friends or not having such people around can make the new mother feel isolated and find things difficult to handle. Economic dependence of women on their husbands is common in India, but economic dependence can make this situation worse. Such factors may put women at higher risk of developing postpartum mental health problems during the postpartum period.
treatment
Baby blues can be managed through self-care and support from loved ones and family members, but postpartum depression often requires the intervention of a professional. There are many therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, stress and trauma based therapy and in some cases, antidepressant medications may also be prescribed.
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