POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION – HOW TO PREVENT IT?
Postpartum depression is a common condition that happens to many women after birth. It is due both to the drop in hormone levels and to the new challenges faced by the mother. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from it or at least reduce its effects.
NO SELF-BLAME
Social media only shows the beautiful side of motherhood. This creates a wrong image in the mother’s head, which leads to self-blame. Among the key features of postpartum depression is feeling that the mother does not do her job well enough. If the baby does not want to eat or sleep, she is the guilty one, which is far from the truth.
Remember that no one knows how to handle parenthood from the beginning, but for your baby you are the best mother in the world!
DO NOT FORGET TO EAT
Plenty of women now follow a special dietary plan while they are pregnant. The baby is born, their eating habits become a chaos. Lack of any regimen can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and increase in the feeling of fatigue and helplessness. Eating healthy foods regularly improves the mood, the quality of breastmilk and keeps you in a good shape.
HELP FROM A FRIEND
We support the claim that children should be taken care of by their parents. However, little help from time to time is not superfluous. It is useful for all – the parents are resting, and the child socializes. If you do not feel comfortable leaving your baby with someone , ask your family to help you with housework or shopping – they will surely volunteer !
Postpartum depression does not spare dads. Many men, feeling unprepared for parenthood, feel anxious and depressed after the baby is born. Talk about the subject with your spouse and try to solve the problems together.
If, after trying out our tips, you do not feel better, we recommend that you seek professional help. Consultation with a psychologist does not necessarily mean „there is something wrong with you“, but that you just need expert advice.