Postpartum depression: What mothers should not ignore
Postpartum depression affects women after pregnancy.
The joy of welcoming a newborn baby is like no other, holding your bundle of joy for the first time and looking forward to the many opportunities to teach your baby many of his or her firsts.
But sometimes, weeks later, that euphoria is replaced by dark thoughts as you try to navigate motherhood.
Sleepless nights and constant worry are compounded as the mother begins to feel inadequate in her new role, and most women find it difficult to open up about these challenges for fear of negative judgement and sometimes discrimination.
Feeling hopeless weeks after giving birth is a normal condition called postpartum depression.
Mtaa Wangu sat down with the Head of Reproductive Health at PGH, Dr Emmanuel Sinei, to get a better understanding of postpartum depression and where to go for help.
What is postpartum depression?
It is not a character flaw or a choice, but a complex interaction of
hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and the immense emotional toll of motherhood caused by pregnancy hormones.
What are the common signs and symptoms to look out for?
Unlike postpartum blues, which is a short period of mood swings, postpartum depression symptoms go beyond that and last for weeks or months. A doctor can predict a woman who is likely to suffer from postpartum depression by asking her about her wellbeing in the maternity ward. A psychiatric assessment is also recommended before leaving the hospital.
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the responsibility of your child, Changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, lack of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, these physical symptoms may be normal to some extent, but
However, persistent negative feelings about any of these symptoms require immediate attention. Severe symptoms may lead to self-harm or harm to the baby.
What treatment options are available?
All post-natal care is covered by Linda Mama free of charge for up to 90 days after delivery. If a woman is not registered, doctors take up the initiative to register her. Each government facility has counsellors who are available to any patient who needs counselling.
Those who need treatment are referred to a psychiatrist
who can make a diagnosis and provide treatment. Those who are clinically depressed are given medication.
There are postnatal clinics for mothers who have given birth. Part of the postnatal assessment is to ask about problems in their environment. Women who have just given birth are put in touch with a social worker who will report if there is a need to change their environment.
The postnatal period lasts six weeks. One week after delivery, two weeks after and at the end of the six weeks, which is a significant time in the mother's life.