Pregnancy to Motherhood-a phase of transformation from a woman to a mother, the gradual development of
mind, body and soul. This stage of life is a journey in itself which is marking the inevitable, with an enchanting
conclusion However, with every happiness comes the stress of how to hold on to it.
Baby blues or postpartum depression are the wide range of emotions which a woman experiences after child
birth. The apparent negative feeling a mother goes through after the birth of the child, causing mood swings
with irritability and anxiousness, feeling overwhelmed, an upturn in the complete pattern of life, tiredness or
fatigued and sadness, Experiencing this makes it difficult for the mother to deal with the daily chores and get
through the day, also affecting their ability to take care of the the baby and their own health, This condition can
exert influence on women with easy pregnancies or with problematic pregnancies, married or unmarried. It is
a malady effecting motherhood regardless of the social, economical and physical health of the mother.
Risk Factors
The risk factors predisposing postpartum depression includes
- Change in hormone levels after child birth
- Having a challenging baby who is hard to comfort, whose sleep and hunger is difficult to predict and
has an irregular mood
- Special motherhood - having premature baby or one with medical complications and thus require
special needs
- Lack of economical, social and mental support
- Motherhood in young or very old age or experiencing motherhood for the first time
How to come through this muddled phase?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the common first-line treatments for coping with postpartum
depression, helping to manage the milder and moderate symptoms of the disorder. It trains the patient's
thoughts, feelings and behavior to coordinate for working towards solving problems, thinking realistically,
managing stress and giving oneself some relaxation. Interpersonal therapies are also a type of counseling
dealing with relationships, helping the patient to adjust and adapt to their changing roles and responsibilities
accompanying it. Well-being of both the mother and the father is very important for the comfort and welfare
of the child, and thus involving loved ones in the family and outside becomes essential for the much
needed support.
Guidelines and Word of Advice for coping with the disorder comprises the following
Voice it out
Talk to the doctors who can assist with planning and strategizing the problems and help cope Depression by
working on the thought process, feelings and action/response. Discuss worries or troubles and speak the mind,
out to any trusted loved one within or outside the family, this will aid in sharing and lessen the burden of over
thinking and excess responsibilities which an individual alone cannot deal with. This may also help make some
time for self, thus letting the mind available to focus on personal needs that rejuvenates the mind.
Keep-fit
Exercise and balanced diet along with proper sleep cycle helps boost the mood which comes to the aid of
good health reflecting peace of mind and body, thereby indirectly helping to manage stress and desist from
over-thinking
Ask for assistance
It is always advisable to ask help from life-partner, family and close relatives to assist in taking care of
the baby or share other responsibilities. Mutual support and care giving help express feelings among the
family members in a healthy way and arises a sense of safety, reducing stress and fear of solitary.
Don't worry
Avoid worrying about unimportant tasks and thoughts, try not assuming the uncertain happenings and
prioritize the responsibilities to make it realistically possible to handle the baby as well as other duties
Motherhood is not easy and adjusting with it is also very stressful. It is very important for the mother to
not pause and ponder around just the negative thoughts that keep emerging in the mind. And hence, it is
vital to learn and navigate this new role and balance oneself at every step ahead with the baby and the
changing responsibilities. Though demanding and exhausting, one should keep in mind that postpartum
depression is not a fault, its a condition that demands care, love, positive outlook and confidence.
