Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression In Mothers

Having a baby brings a new perspective to your life. The excitement is high, and you are juggling different roles all at the same time.

The joy can be too much and overwhelm you especially if you do not have a reliable support system.

The many sleepless nights make it worse and coping with the new lifestyle becomes quite challenging.

You are providing the best care for your baby, but at times not sure, whether you are on track. You start questioning your ability as a mother, and soon the feeling of despair and hopelessness gets the better of you.

It is normal to feel that way especially if the baby cries nonstop, and you have no idea what to do.

If the situation does not improve, you are likely to swing to postpartum depression (PPD). So what exactly is PPD?

It’s a mix of physical, behavioural and emotional changes that occur within the first four weeks after giving birth.

The chemical changes as a result of hormonal changes also contribute to PPD. The PPD is as common as depression during pregnancy. Postpartum depression manifest in the following ways:

The Baby Blues Don’t Go Away

It is quite normal to experience mood swings after birth. The new changes take a toll on you and have no idea how to cope. The transition period is quite demanding, and events occur quite fast.

You have your body changes to handle, and a little helpless baby is looking up to you.

However, your system should adjust within a few weeks. The feelings of despair and panic should diminish with time and are expected to start enjoying time with your baby. However, if this does not happen and you start feeling more desperate and hopeless, then PPD could be affecting you.

You Keep Feeling Guilty and Sad

Usually, motherhood should bring you joy and great happiness. However, understand that you are not superhuman and, occasionally, you are likely to feel guilty or sad.

Guilty probably because you feel like you aren’t giving your baby the best (trust us, you are – reading this article is one indicator that you keep wanting to provide more for your baby) or the baby is keeping you awake all night long.

However, if the intensity of your guilt is too much and you have crying spells just out of the blues, then you need to seek medical help.

You Start to Lose Interest in the Baby

 

Lose Interest in the Baby - PEM

As a mother, you adore every bit of your baby. From the little fingers, the innocent eyes, and that contagious smile; all these make you an incredibly happy and proud mother. You may even have a problem leaving your child to step out for a dose of fresh air.

However, because of PPD you may have no interest in your child at all, and the people around you have to keep reminding you to attend to your crying baby.

If that’s the case, seeking professional help will save you from sinking deeper into depression.

You Are Indecisive

You may be quite fatigued and facing headaches postpartum because of the new motherhood duties.

This is normal, and you require space to heal and connect with your baby.

However, when you find yourself failing to make simple decisions, it’s a red flag.

You cannot decide whether to get out of bed or not, bath your baby or feed her, take a shower or not, etc.

It’s a pointer to a mental and physical problem that requires medical care.

You No Longer Enjoy Your Hobbies

When you start losing interest in what you loved before the baby came, or have no time for yourself, talk to your doctor about these changes.

Closing Words

PPD is treatable and can be avoided. Understand your changes and watch out for any danger signs.

Talk to the people around you about your feelings and ask for help whenever you feel overwhelmed.

Be kind to yourself and know that you are doing an incredible job with your baby.

Take the time away from your baby and go for a walk or indulge in a warm and sensual bath. Such little steps will ease the pressure and help you relax.

For instance, some traditionalists and experts believe that food plays a large rule in this matter.

So, perhaps some might want to try out different confinement recipes such as Chinese postpartum food recipes at home or order in from a confinement food catering in Singapore.

Otherwise, in case you have any of the above signs, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Also, speaking of things one can do during confinement, don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance either. You might be surprised how helpful and beneficial getting the right confinement care can be, even something as small as a confinement massage would work wonders to relieve aches and that goes some way to making you feel that much better.

Should you want to have a look through some confinement agency review testimonials, we have those written by happy mummies across this great nation on our site!

Author

  • PEM Confinement Nanny Agency

    We are a group of frontliners and support team members who are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience in confinement care. Representing the largest confinement nanny agency in Singapore which has served over 250,000 mothers in over 30 years, we are all about sharing useful and insightful information based on our experience to help new parents navigate this exciting chapter of their life better.