After giving birth to a beautiful baby, you now find yourself struck by a case of the “baby blues”. How does that happen? Sadness, sleep-deprivation, and mood swings affect roughly 80% of new mothers. It is completely normal to feel this way for a few weeks. Now, what if that sadness persists? The overwhelming wave of emotions? Irritability? Feeling like you’re not a good mom? Postpartum depression (PPD) shockingly happens to 1 out of every 9 new mothers. In every feeling that you are going through, please remember that you are not alone. The Cradle Boss Baby is the #1 resource for new and current parents and we are here to recommend 3 healthy ways to help you handle postpartum depression.

1. Seek Support From Friends and Family:

   Unfortunately, many women with postpartum depression are so afraid of being judged, that they suffer in silence. Please remember that getting help is always a sign of strength. Postpartum depression, or depression in general, is extremely common and chances are – at least one person you know has dealt with one or the other. Discuss any and all feelings with a close friend or healthcare provider. Although not easy, making your worries and frustrations known can feel freeing. The sooner you seek support from those whom you love and respect, the sooner you can fully heal.

2. Seek Medical Treatment:

   Symptoms of PPD begin within the first four weeks of giving birth and may last months, maybe even years. Hormonal changes play a huge role. A sudden, significant dip in both estrogen and progesterone after pregnancy may lead to depression in new moms. In addition, thyroid hormones are likely to drop after labor. Other factors include “broken sleep” (your sleep cycles are not as regular as they used to be), grief about who you were before having a baby and doubts about your ability to be a new mother. The class of medications prescribed for postpartum depression may include anti-depressants. The two different anti-depressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Both act on neurotransmitters and increase serotonin levels in the brain.

3. Give Therapy a Try: 

   Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are highly recommended for new mothers. CBT focuses on self- improvement such as problem-solving skills, social skills and meditation. According to American Academy of Family Physicians, “the addition of CBT reduces depressive symptoms more effectively than [medication alone] with a medium effect size at the end of the intervention and a residual small effect size six months later.” Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving an individual’s relationships.  Interpersonal therapy is considered “first-line treatment” for mild to severe postpartum depression in women.

Leaving your postpartum depression symptoms untreated can negatively affect both you and your baby. Your friends at The Cradle Boss Baby want to ensure that your path to parenthood is as smooth, safe and successful as it can be. Stay tuned for Part 5 of our “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” Series coming out next month! Good luck new mamas, we’re here for you!