Postpartum Depression affects women after childbirth. Symptoms may include:
Sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, anxiety and irritability, social withdrawal, feeling overwhelmed, crying episodes, feeling empty, guilt, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced desire for sex, low energy and feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no single cause of postpartum depression. Physical, emotional and lifestyle factors may all play a role.
Hormonal changes – After childbirth, a dramatic drop in oestrogen and progesterone in your body may contribute as well as other hormones produced by your thyroid gland which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. Changes in your blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism can contribute to fatigue and mood swings.
Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue and feeling like you are just behind the eight ball causing frustration and hopelessness, feeling that you can’t just do things like you used to.
Many lifestyle factors can lead to postpartum depression, including a demanding baby or older siblings, difficulty breast-feeding, financial problems, and lack of support from your partner or other loved ones.
The following are risk factors and considerations in order to prevent postpartum depression. Note this condition can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first.
- A history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times
- Postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
- Stressful events during the past year, such as difficulty falling pregnant, pregnancy complications, illness or job loss, relationship problems, financial problems
- The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
The good news is that treatment and support is available for postnatal depression. Your GP can prepare a mental health treatment plan and refer you to a support group, counsellor or psychologist or a psychiatrist if your symptoms are very severe.
Request for a nutritional blood test to rule out obvious vitamin or mineral deficiencies that may contribute to the way you feel. Example, a zinc deficiency can contribute feelings of anxiety or sadness. Also have your copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, B12, B9 and vitamin D measured. Deficiencies in these can also contribute to many symptoms of postnatal depression. Seek advice for the best quality and highly absorbable supplement or food as medicine.
Support your treatment plan with some natural health and lifestyle solutions.
- Create a healthy circadian rhythm by waking with the sun, wind down with the sun and be asleep by 10pm. In addition nap during the day when your baby is sleeping. If you have trouble falling asleep, drink a warm relaxing tea of chamomile, dill, caraway and fennel. These herbs not only relax and calm the nervous system they also assist in milk flow.
- Eat a whole food diet. Eat high quality fats and protein that are not only important for breast-feeding but also nourish and support recovery post birth. Choose pastured eggs, beef, lamb, chicken, and dairy. Eat plenty of organic fruit and vegetables. Keep your blood sugar levels regular in order to prevent dips in energy and irritability. Seek advice from a whole food nutritionist.
- Hydrate well with herbal teas as they also offer therapy and well as taste delicious. Drink with every breast feed in order to replenish and restore your fluids.
- Use natural therapies. It is important to seek advice from a qualified Naturopathic or Natural therapies practitioner to advice you on the best remedy or therapy for your symptoms, constitution as well as address the underlying causes of your postnatal depression. A qualified practitioner will also make sure your remedies will not be contraindicated with any supplements or medications you are currently taking.
I have used the following herbs successfully in my practice.
Rhodiola
Botanical name: Rhodiola rosea
Part used: Root
Traditionally used to treat depression, anxiety, increase physical endurance, work productivity and enhance mental performance.
Other health benefits: chronic immune deficiency, chronic infections, post viral syndromes, anaemia, and fibromyalgia.
Best taken as a tonic.
Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia
Part used: Flower
Traditionally used to treat anxiety, restlessness, depression and insomnia.
Other health benefits: colic, digestive weakness and headaches.
Drink as a tea (dose: steep one teaspoon per cup of boiled water for 1-3 minutes and drink three times per day) or take as a tonic as prescribed by your herbalist or Naturopath.
St John’s wort
Botanical name: Hypericum perforatum
Part used: Aerial parts
Traditionally used to treat anxiety, irritability and depression.
Other health benefits: neuralgia, exhaustion, sciatica and fibrositis.
Take as a tonic as prescribed by your herbalist or Naturopath. Contra indicated if you are already on anti depressant medication.
Chaste tree
Botanical name: Vitex agnus-castus
Part used: Berry
Traditionally used to treat PMS, postnatal depression and poor milk flow.
Other health benefits: hormonal regulator.
Take as a tonic as prescribed by your herbalist or Naturopath.
