Postpartum Explained
Mothers can start experiencing baby blues right after their baby is born and in most cases, this resolves over the next several weeks. For a few moms, Postpartum Depression can take over, making it difficult to care for themselves or their new baby.
After women give birth, a complex mix of behavioral, physical, and emotional changes take place. During the first couple of weeks after delivery, there is a RAPID decrease in hormones. The levels of progesterone and estrogen, the female reproductive hormones, tend to increase during pregnancy, but drop sharply after pregnancy causing this hormone havoc. Other factors which lead to postpartum depression are social and psychological changes from new schedules, routines, lack of support, and body image changes.
Postpartum Depression Signs and Symptoms
- Appetite changes
- Severe Fatigue
- Depressed mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings
- Concentration issues
- Thoughts of suicide
- Crying
- Feeling that you will not be able to handle your baby
- Severe anger issues
- Feeling hopelessness and worthlessness
Causes of Postpartum and Risk Factors
Don’t think that you did anything wrong – this is not why PPD occurs. It happens for many reasons and it varies from person to person. Below are the factors which can increase the chances of PPD:
- History of depression
- Having twins or triplets
- Living alone
- Having a family history of mood swings
- Already having many children to take care of
- Limited social interaction and support
- Marital conflict
There are many causes of PPD but these emotional and physical issues can contribute:
- Hormone changes
- Stress and anxiety
- Self-image issues
- Lack of sleep
Postpartum Depression Treatment
We can help mitigate the symptoms of Postpartum Depression by providing neurofeedback training. It is a type of biofeedback that presents real-time feedback from the activities of the brain to help harmonize your brain waves naturally – without medication! During the sessions, your brain will learn how to bring abnormally slow or fast waves into the normal range – giving you the relief you so desire. We have a successful track record for helping clients achieve an improved quality of life and long-term symptom relief!
And yes, you can bring your baby to your sessions :-)
