Simple Home Remedies For Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness, but a medical condition. Depression at this stage is something fairly common because of changes of hormone, loads of extra work, sleepless nights and other related factors. It is vital to share this problem with someone and opt for a cure for the same.

People should discuss this problem with their loved ones as they care about them. The symptoms can be treated with the help of the doctor, friends and family. Friends and family should be asked to call you regularly and visits and outings should be scheduled with them because depression only gets worse with isolation, especially when people are stressed about looking after a newborn.

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Usefull Remedies For Postpartum Depression

Rest

Sleep and rest is needed by new mothers, but a newborn makes things difficult. These situations can be handled by new mothers if they opt for the Asian lifestyle where voluntary help is offered by aunts and grandmothers.

For at least 2 months, the new mother gets pampered and doesn’t have to do much work. This kind of setup offers a new mother with the rest and company she needs. Also, it gives her the opportunity to talk to someone experienced regarding her fears.

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Meditation And Breathing

Both of these techniques are said to have helped pregnant women largely to avoid postpartum depression. In fact, meditation not only helps you cope better with the problems of new motherhood, it is also safe and can be done immediately by those who had to go through a c-section.

On the other hand for deep breathing, it is best to consult your doctor before commencing the same because of risks of hurting the stitch.

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Spinach

According to studies, a major cause of depression is lack of folic acid. When scientists discovered that people diagnosed with depression had lower levels of folic acid that normal people, they started suspecting a link between the brain and this B vitamin.

It seems that serotonin levels fall with a folic acid deficiency and can give rise to depression. Ironically, one of the most common nutrient deficiencies suffered by women is that of folic acid. However, they can easily meet their folic acids need with a 200 mcg dose every day. ¾ cooked cup of cooked spinach will take care of it.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the richest sources of fatty acids within the body is the brain. Research has discovered that low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids can cause depression. Fatty fish that includes flounder, cod, salmon and Pollock provide this polyunsaturated fat. Soy products and flaxseed are other rich sources.

According to researchers, brain will be at its healthiest if there are plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. There are lesser chances of a healthy brain getting depressed.

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Folate Rich Foods

Foods that are laden with vital nutrients and vitamins like folate should be consumed. Good sources of folate include wheat germ, vegetarian baked beans, boiled spinach and broccoli. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and can be found in numerous breakfast cereals, tomato and orange juice.

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Exercise

An exercise regime should not be started without consulting a doctor, especially if you have had a C-section. Give yourself a break for a while. It might be difficult, but don’t worry about the shape of your body in the first six weeks postpartum. It doesn’t help to watch the photos of celebrity mamas splashed in magazines as they flaunt their post-baby bodies.

If you have had a C-section, start slowly and with the doctor’s approval. For starters, go to the park for a walk with your baby or do some modified pushups at home. Later, when the doctor gives you the green light, you can use some postpartum exercises for tackling the belly weight that you are left with after pregnancy.

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Counseling

The entire personality of a woman can be changed because of the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. The woman should be able to vent her apprehension and feelings related to the future due to which she needs company, guidance, support and help. Negative behaviors and thoughts can be cast away with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Women will be able to get over their problems with Interpersonal therapy and will find it highly useful. The transition of roles can also go smoothly with it. Like other modes of treating postpartum depression, familial support can prove to be immensely effective. Friends who don’t have children can be asked for help if there is no forthcoming familial support. Their eagerness can be a pleasant surprise.