Baby Blues

The commonest mood disturbance after child-birth, it affects nearly 20 to 30 per cent of new mothers. The rapid fall in Estrogen levels after childbirth is often the reason for this condition. Symptoms like appetite loss, fatigue, nervous-ness, over-sensitivity, and a sense of being overwhelmed are commonly experienced.

They appear within a few days of delivery and last for two weeks. A longer duration means clinical depression, a condition that occurs in 10 to 15 per cent of new mothers, lasting for six months. “Postpartum blues are normal changes women experience post delivery. The reason is not only the hormonal changes and exhaustion but also the new responsibility,” says Dr Jiten-dra Nagpal, Senior Psychiatrist at VIMHANS.

CAUSES

According to experts, the new mother often worries obsessively about the child. Depressed women feel guilty about their inadequacy as caregivers. In the Indian context, sociological factors like the mother’s responsibilities and the gender of the child is also an issue. The new mother might also feel guilty if a child is born with some mental or physical abnormalities.

IN THE LONG RUN

Children of mothers with postpartum depres-sion are vulnerable to depression, and long-term adjustment may be problematic. Infants respond to fleeting mood changes of the mother. The child shows signs of distress even after the mother begins to behave normally.

TREATMENT

Depressed women may be reluctant to seek help because of the fear of being regarded as bad mothers. Family doctors can help by reas-suring them of their child’s health. “The mother can be put on mild anti-depressants but since the drugs mix with breast milk, breast-feeding has to be stopped temporarily,” says Dr Nag-pal. Listening to music and an empathetic fam-ily helps. “Women having depression tenden-cies and with a family history of depression are prone to postpartum blues,” he adds.

IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS

Doctors suggest to gather a support system around you. It can include:

Your partner: While it’s only mums who can breastfeed, partners can share responsibilities and spend time together as a new family. Healthcare professionals: Be in touch with your doctor regularly.

Social circle: Having a child means changing priorities in your social life. Boredom and lone-liness creeps in if you cut yourself off from the friends’ circle.

CAN I EVER SLEEP?

Childbirth can alter your biological clock. Your baby may stay awake throughout the night. Not getting enough sleep can leave you bad-tempered and unable to cope with simple things. Try some or all of the following to help you get a better night’s sleep:

• Share the night feeds: This isn’t so easy if you’re breastfeeding. But you could express your breast milk so that your partner can share the responsibility

• Relax before you go to bed: Try to switch off and relax before you go to bed. A warm bath or a warm drink may help

• Sleep when your baby sleeps: This is easier said than done with visitors popping in and the housework piling up, but try it. Sleep is absolutely vital