First and foremost, we’d like to mention that it is absolutely normal to experience postpartum blues or postpartum depression. When you just give birth, it is one of the most crucial moments as your emotions and hormones are all over the place.

It can also be difficult to manage, especially if you are a first-time mother. Not only are you still learning the ropes of taking care of your baby, you also have to deal with your own body.

But did you know there is a difference between postpartum blues and postpartum depression? If you’re not aware, especially if you’re a new mother, read on to find out more about it!

What is postpartum depression?

Though there are many signs of postpartum depression, the common postpartum depression symptoms are as follows: 

• No bond with your baby: You will feel detached from your baby and may experience immense stress or aggression. 
• Anxiety and panic attacks: You experience this on a regular basis.
• Feeling alone, worthless or hopeless: You can’t help but cry all the time and feel like you shouldn’t exist in this world.
• Last a few months: The feelings or emotions remain from four weeks up to a few months (some last up to a year) once you’ve given birth. 

What is postpartum blues? 

Below are the common symptoms of baby blues: 

• Lasts only up to 2 weeks post-delivery: It is when you’re feeling extreme sadness which lasts for several hours a day but once 2 weeks is over after giving birth, you shouldn’t feel the same emotions anymore. 
• Fatigue, Sadness, Irritated: You will feel these emotions every few hours in the day.
• Quick mood swings: If you notice that your mood changes from sad to happy really fast, then you’re experiencing baby blues.

How To Handle Postnatal Blues

You will be able to tackle postnatal blues with ease once you implement a few of these lifestyle tips:

• Get plenty of rest: You should try your best and make sure to get enough sleep, which you can do so while your baby is taking a nap. 
• Exercise: Get moving! Go for a walk and breathe in fresh air. You will feel better immediately as your brain will be secreting happy hormones such as dopamine.  
• Eat healthily: You can change up your diet and start implementing food that is good for you. 

See Also: 6 Prenatal Yoga in KL and Selangor For All Pregnant Mommies

How To Handle Post Pregnancy Depression

When you experience depression after giving birth, it can be difficult to deal with all the symptoms. Thankfully, you can tackle them and reduce symptoms with the help of treatments.

There are various types of postpartum depression treatment you can consider, and it all depends on which ones work the best for you. 

Psychotherapy Treatment For Postpartum Depression

Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is one of the popular non-medicated treatments for postpartum depression. You will be required to have regular talks with a mental health professional that specialises in handling patients with postpartum depression. 

Prescribed Medication Treatments For Postpartum Depression

Antidepressants are commonly given to tackle postpartum depression. However, if you are breastfeeding, it might cause some complications. You should consult and let your doctor know so that they can prescribe the right medication for you. 

Hormone Therapy which uses the hormone oestrogen, is often used with antidepressants. This hormone is said to relieve the symptoms of postpartum depression.

Conclusion

If you find yourself struggling with postpartum blues or postpartum depression, don’t lose hope! With the right treatment and once you’ve gone past this stage of life, you will soon find the light at the end of the tunnel. 

References

https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/types/blues/
https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/baby-blues-after-pregnancy.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-baby-blues