Postpartum/ Post delivery Depression: Symptoms/ Challenges, Associated factors and what helps!

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting many women after childbirth. The transition to motherhood, although a joyful experience, can be challenging due to the substantial physical, emotional, and psychological changes a woman undergoes. 

Challenges Faced by Women with Postpartum Depression:

1. Difficulty sleeping
2. Mood swings
3. Changes in appetite
4. Fear of harm
5. Excessive worry about the baby
6. Feelings of sadness and crying spells
7. Feelings of doubt
8. Lack of concentration
9. Disinterest in daily activities

Potential Causes of Postpartum Depression:

1. History of depression or anxiety
2. Having multiple pregnancies or frequent childbirth
3. Pregnancy-related complications (e.g., emergency cesarean section, low birth weight baby)
4. Young age during pregnancy
5. Lack of emotional and financial support from society
6. Poor lifestyle habits (poor diet, lack of sleep, low physical activity)
7. Deficiency in nutrients like Vitamin B6, Zinc, and Selenium

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Postpartum Depression:

1. Exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 3 months
2. Consuming a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, seafood, dairy products, olive oil, and various nutritious foods
3. Receiving full support from the husband

Source:-

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5561681/
2. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/maternal-mental-health