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A Heart Crushed With the Weight of a Child

7th April, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

After 9 months of pregnancy, a happily married couple in Florida waits for the birth of their first baby. The attending surgeon and the Tampa Bay midwife do an excellent job. everything turns out alright and the child is born without complications. Everyone accepts the behavior of the “new mommy” to her husband and to her child until signs of depression masked with bad temper set in. Misunderstandings happen and harsh arguments follow in the ensuing weeks. What has happened to the sweet woman in a seemingly normal event such as childbirth to make her husband misunderstand? The lady has developed Postpartum Depression, a psychological condition that has become the subject of medical gatherings all over the U.S. like the one in Florida known as “maternity care Tampa Bay”.

Postpartum depression needs to be understood before it can be prevented. So what is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is essentially clinical depression that accompanies childbirth. Clinical depression or Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities that is coincident with depressed mood and decreased self-esteem, this loss is termed Anhedonia. The disorder frequently affects women but could also affect men especially those who become fathers for the first time. The incidence is lower in men however between 1.2% and 25.5%. After carrying their first child, women are most vulnerable in the first few months following delivery. Many studies reveal a female prevalence ranges between 5%-25%.

While the manifestations of postpartum depression usually show in the first few months, they can show up anytime in the 1st year following delivery. Women complain of severe sadness and fatigue in performance of daily activities. There is hopelessness, low self-esteem, guilt and even a feelings of being overcome by circumstances. Disturbances have been noted in both appetite and sleep cycles. Some cases are even refractory to counseling. cognitive exercises like talking and writing are impaired and spells of intense anger, frustration, panic attacks and anxiety occur. sexual desire is seriously reduced.

While all the causes of postpartum depression remain elusive, a number of elements have been identified as predictors of the illness. A history of depression seriously increases tendency towards the condition. This also includes any depressive spell during pregnancy. General stress in life, especially, when the mother is single or if married, unsupported by her husband is a contributory factor.

Seeing postpartum depression as a disease entity will lead to better understanding and much needed comfort from spouses and prevent needless conflict borne of misunderstanding. Smoking should be advised against. Screening for postpartum depression, which is regular in Canada, could be carried out worldwide. By this means, risk factors can be quickly identified and corrective measures can be taken. proper exercise and a balanced diet seem to play important roles in preventing postpartum depression particularly, and depression in general. Experts suggest the inclusion of the following in a woman’s diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, Vitamins especially of the B class and proper hydration. With recognition, proper dietary measures and moral back-up we can avoid the occurrence of postpartum depression.