This is a topic we rarely talk about, majority shy away from it because of mockery and the fear of being tagged as "unwell" or "in crisis". I experienced a very mild form of baby blues when I was about 11 days post partum, It was the most overwhelming feeling I have ever felt. Perhaps it was due to raging hormones coupled with the excitement joy and anxiety, but thanks to my husband i overcame it in less than no time. He was the greatest support system I had, with family and friends of course! unfortunately lots of women go through more severe forms of post partum mood disorder but do not know or do not want to talk about it, if you do not know something how would you solve it... so I will explain what PPMD is.
Post partum mood disorder (PPMD) is the depressive state a mother relapses in after childbirth. This in most cases arise due to hormonal change, fatigue and psychological adjustment to motherhood. There are different types of postpartum mood disorders. there is : baby blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. However, the most common type of post partum mood disorder we hear about today is the postpartum depression. I will start with BABY BLUES (BB) which is mildest, in simple terms it is a feeling caused by sudden change of hormones, which leaves one in an emotional state where you have crying spells, mood swings, anxiety, self doubt, and insomnia. the exact cause of baby blues is unknown, however studies shows that baby blues affects up to 80% of all new mothers and in most cases last between 3-14 days after childbirth. while for some it starts immediately after childbirth. Out of this 80%, 20% further degenerate into postpartum depression. The duration of baby blues often depends on circumstances surrounding the new mother for example type of childbirth experience, changes in body from pregnancy, changes in work and social relationship, disruption of routine, sleep disturbance, etc POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD): PPD occurs when baby blues refuse to fade away, it affects almost 25% of new mothers and it last for a year, Hormonal and non-hormonal factors come to play in PPD. women who have PPD feel like they can’t handle being a mother and often feel they are not caring for their baby enough, in most cases they don’t feel bonded with their baby. Women who experience PPD often have alternating days of happiness and sadness and its important they seek medical help at this stage. PPD may affect women under the age of 20 or did not plan for the pregnancy, who drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal substances, also women who had a stressful pregnancy or bad birth experience may have postpartum depression, poor relationship with significant other can also be the cause of PPD as well as having financial problems. POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS (PPP): PPP is the most severe and the rarest form of postpartum mood disorders. According to research it occurs in 1 to 2 out of every 1000 pregnancies, it strikes normally between the second or third week after childbirth and the most severe ones may last up to 12 weeks while recovery takes 6months to a year. PPP is always sudden and very severe, medically it is seen as an emergency and treated immediately. women with PPP exhibit symptoms that includes rapid mood swing, hallucinations, thoughts of harming self or baby, bizarre behavior, hyperactivity, extreme fatigue, losing touch with reality and some even commit infanticide. If you are experiencing any of this, dont get too hard on yourself, first of SPEAK OUT, ask for help where and when you need it, take a break, have a time out, give yourself a little pampering, go for a massage, a pedicure, or a threat, take care of YOU its really important because motherhood is meant to be enjoyed!!!
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AuthorI am a proud wife and loving mum to my awesome little boy. I am a goal setter and a goalgetter. I love having happy people around me because i believe "those around you have a great influence on you". My hobbies are reading, trying out recipes, travelling, and meeting people. I would love to know and hear from you. Lets relate!!! Archives
February 2018
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