Oh no, it’s baby blues

By Melanie Amarasooriya

The birth of your baby is supposed to bring you and your husband all the happiness you dreamed of. However, in reality, many new mothers find themselves becoming moody and tearful. The number of new mothers who feel such distress is quite high; about three quarters of new mums are affected by some sort of psychological disturbance, the most common being maternity blues.

About 10 to 20% of new mothers will develop depression or post partum depression, and quite rarely more serious psychiatric disorders.

Maternity blues

Within the first few days from delivery, a new mother will find herself more moody, extremely sensitive and tearful. Irritability and difficulty in coping with her increased responsibilities will also be evident.

Sometimes sleep will be affected. Symptoms will peak between day 3 and 5 from the delivery and usually settle within two weeks. The majority of the mothers, about 70 to 80% will undergo these problems. Maternity blues are considered more or less a normal phenomenon.

Post partum depression

Depression, most of the time sets in within the first six weeks of motherhood and is more severe in intensity than maternity blues. It also tends to last longer, on average about six months but if untreated can go on for up to a year.

The danger of not getting treatment is that there is a possibility of the mother harming herself and her child. Unhappy moods, loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities persisting more than two weeks, every day, and during most of the day may be a sign that you may be suffering from post partum depression. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, fatigue, changes in appetite and/or sleep, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, especially focusing on failure at being a mother, excessive anxiety and frequently focusing on the child's health etc are also indicative of depression.

Who's most at risk?

• Teenage mothers
• Those with a history of depression in the past (including post partum depression with previous deliveries)
• Those with an immediate relative, like parents or siblings who have depression
• Those with poor marital relationships
• Single mothers

How to cope?

Prevention comes first as in any problem. If you have any of the above risk factors for depression, discuss it with your obstetrician before delivery. One way of dealing with it is to help a couple who have a newborn, and thereby get to know what is in store for you. Sharing experiences can be helpful.

Support from family and friends for the new mother to care for the baby as well as herself is of immense importance. Drawing up a plan with your partner on how to handle the workload prior to delivery will also put you at ease.

Most importantly, loving attention, reassurance and practical help will do much to prevent or relieve the suffering caused by these post-partum psychological problems.

Treatment

Maternity blues do not need treatment and usually go away spontaneously. Family and friends and the mother herself accepting it as normal and having adequate support is all that is necessary. However, post partum depression needs professional help. There is effective medication and other forms of treatment like psychotherapy.

Seeking help from a professional is crucial here, because not getting treatment can have serious consequences on both the mother and the baby. Thus at least tell your family doctor if you feel depressed.

There has been rising interest in the use of herbs and dietary supplements for the treatment of depression. They can be helpful, but because of possibledrug interactions and effect on breastfeeding be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking a herbal or dietary supplement.

Apart from professional help, you may try the following tips that will help to lift your mood.

• Ask for help from others to cope with the demands of caring for a newborn and housekeeping. When you feel tired and worn out you may consider expressing breast milk for the night-time feeds and have your partner handle at least some of the night feeds so you can sleep.
• Don't feel you have to do everything yourself.
• Exercise is well known to alleviate depressive symptoms. Exercise 20 to 30 minutes, at least three times a week. Something like walking is appropriate. Don't make it a burden, but enjoy it.
• Learn to handle stress. Relaxation of the mind and body can help, so learn to identify stressors and avoid them. Prioritize your work and chores and let the least important wait.
• Take care to keep your sleep cycle regular by going to bed and waking around the same time. Develop relaxing bedtime rituals such as reading or a warm bath.
• Eating a well balanced diet and regular meals is important. Avoid refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate.
• Do not withdraw from company. Instead share your problems and spend time with family and friends. Being in isolation may appear good when you are depressed but does more harm than good.
• Continue doing pleasurable activities even if you don't feel like it. You will soon find that you are enjoying yourself again.
• Set realistic goals. It may take time to adjust but you will find yourself gradually coming to terms with motherhood.