Z95 Vancouver radio hosts Nat and Drew called me on air this week to ask if Britney Spears recent check in to the posh Malibu rehab center could have been caused by postpartum depression. My reply? Read on...Until someone has walked in another women's nursing bra, one should never judge a new mother (as ALL moms do enough judging of themselves!). So what is going on for Britney is really between her and her loved ones and her therapists. Thus, whether she suffers from postpartum is pure speculation.
Yet, the fact is over 50% of ALL women giving birth do experience some form of postpartum depression or "baby blues!" Not surprising when you consider the amount of hormones our bodies produce, the fact that many of us have a cocktail of drugs coursing through our body from the hospital stay and the fact that uninterrupted sleep is non-existent. Sleep is one of the biggest challenges for new parents. Remember that sleep deprivation has been used throughout the ages as a form of torture and can wreak havoc on any body. Add to this mix possible hemorrhoids, recovering from a c-section, breast engorgement, crying (you and your baby) and it's enough to have on their knees crying the blues.
Fortunately, there are tips learned from some of the top midwifes, doctors and pediatric and community nurses that can curb postpartum and even prevent it.
Four Ways to Prevent and a Least Lessen the Effects of Postpartum Depression:
1. Make feeding your number one priority. During the first month make feeding your baby your number one priority as there is nothing worse than dealing with the stress of having your baby continue to loose weight. If you are breast feeding, practise feeding every hour during waking hours the second day of your child's life until your milk comes in. This gives you and your baby the opportunity to practice this life saving art as well as promotes quicker milk production. Also, make certain you have a proper latch by getting coached by nurses, lactation specialists, midwifes or members of La Leche League. If you are in the hospital don't leave the hospital until you are confident in your ability to feed. Finally, during the first couple of weeks wake the baby at least every 3 hours during the day to feed to ensure they are getting enough milk.
2. Focus on sleep. Repeat to yourself the following essential mantra: "I sleep when baby sleeps!" Sleep as much as you can especially during the first month. Let others do household chores and let your standards go. In places like Bali mothers are given a 4-6 week grace period in which they remain at home and are only expected to take care of the baby and themselves. This is wise practise for all of us to follow as it gives mom and babe a chance to bond and makes healthier, happier and more rested mothers period!
3. Limit your visitors. When a baby arrives, often everyone and there dog wants to visit, which can making "sleeping when the baby sleeps" next to impossible. If you allow your home to becomes a revolving door of visitors especially during the first month, new mothers can become exhausted. Remember that your baby will have their entire life to meet other people and only needs you right now. One simple way to keep guest visits short is to do something called, "robe play." Even if you have showered and put your clothes on for the day change into your robe or PJ's when visitors come. Why? Because this visual let's visitors know that you are not yet 100%. Recently, with the birth of my son, I was amazed how quickly guests would keep their visits short and sweet when they arrived to find me in my robe.
4. Take care of you to the best of your ability. Aside from sleeping when the baby sleeps find ways to do the little things that make you feel good like getting some fresh air now and again, brushing your teeth, having a shower and eating well! If you are breast feeding, your body requires 500 more additional calories (more than when you are pregnant!). You are now REALLY eating for two so eat frequently, eat well and drink lots of water.
How Others Can Help New Moms to Prevent Post Pardum :
Loving family members and friends can best be of service to a new mom by providing food, food and more glorious food! They can also do whatever they can to let mom (and dad) sleep, help run errands, do household chores and give the new family space . The best gift I ever received as a new mom was from my dad who hired a "post-doula" a couple times a week for the first six weeks who came in did our laundry, made meals and helped hold our crying son during difficult bouts to let us sleep.
When to Get Professional Help for Post Pardum:
Regardless of what you do if your hormones are out of whack and you need help, please seek help! There are many newborn hotlines, and doctors who can help get you back on track. If you experience any of the following you need outside help:
- Your depression interferes with your ability to care for your baby.
- You have thoughts of harming your baby or self.
- You cry for days.
- You feel intense fatigue or sleepiness and can't get up.
- You have days of feeling hopelessness and/or helplessness.
Picture with thanks of Fox News
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