Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth and can affect both sexes.

CAUSE

Unclear

ONSET:

1 week to 1 month after childbirth

SYMPTOMS

• Extreme sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, worthlessness or overpowering guilt
• Crying all the time
• Loss of interest or lack of enjoyment in your usual activities and hobbies
• Trouble falling asleep at night, or trouble staying awake during the day
• Loss of appetite or eating too much, or unintentional weight loss or weight gain
• Restlessness or sluggishness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling that life isn’t worth living
• Being irritable or angry
• Avoiding friends and family
• Worrying excessively about your baby
• Being uninterested in your baby, or unable to care for her
• Feeling so exhausted that you’re unable to get out of bed for hours
• Some women with PPD experience delusional thoughts or hallucinations in rare cases and may harm their baby.

TREATMENT

1. Share Your Feelings: talk openly about your feelings to your partner, call a caring friend or join a mother’s group.
2. Ask for Support- call relatives and friends and ask for help with taking care of the baby, house chores, or just for company.
3. Slow down- on housework. Do one thing at a time. Get take out
4. Take a walk- around the block and take your baby with you. Fresh air and sunshine, being outdoors, or meeting up with a friend for coffee nearby help a lot.
5. Pamper yourself- go to a spa, get a massage, pedicure, manicure, facial. Go and shop for a post-baby outfit, wear makeup or wear your favorite dress to boost your mood especially on difficult days.
6. See a doctor- if the symptoms persist or get worse. The doctor may recommend antidepressants for you which are safe while breastfeeding.

For more information email wellness@jubileekenya.com

By Jubilee Insurance