POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. As I lay there in the theater waiting for the doctor to cut me open and hand over my adorable bundle of joy, my thoughts were everywhere. That day finally came. After nearly 10 months of waiting, running to the loo and feeling like a whale most of the time, the day came for my baby to be born. I remember every detail.

The moment you hold your baby for the first time, everything and everyone around you disappears. Every mother remembers that day. Every women dreams of that day. But as soon as you leave the hospital, or sometimes even before that, a mother may feel a bit down, teary and emotional. You’d be experiencing the baby blues, which shouldn’t last more than a few days. However, some women experience real depression after giving birth.

If you suspect that you are suffering from postnatal depression (PND), you are certainly not alone. 20% of women suffer from more than just the baby blues. The most important thing to remember is that it can be treated. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better and enjoy your baby to the fullest.

Firstly it’s important to understand that there are different degrees of post-baby emotional problems. The baby blues are quite common. They usually start between the 3rd and 5th day after birth. The symptoms include:

• no energy
• lack of sleep
• anxiety
• appetite changes
• sadness
• feeling overwhelmed
• crying often for no reason
• oversensitive
• irritable
• being hyperactive
• not feeling much love for your baby
• frightening thoughts of self-harm or harm to your baby

These symptoms are caused by the drop-off in hormones and it should pass quickly. If these symptoms do not pass after a few days and you notice that it is getting worse, you should seek help by contacting your doctor.

The most common theories explaining the cause of postnatal depression include hormone imbalance, unrealistic expectations, lack of sleep, any recent major loss, lack of financial, social or emotional support, or even an unplanned pregnancy.

Postnatal depression can also start at any time in the first year after birth. Mental states include:

• hopelessness
• loss of normal interest and interest in sex
• thoughts of suicide and guilt
• feeling that your baby and spouse will be better off without you
• feelings of despondency
• impaired concentration
• panic attacks
• hallucinations
• feeling out of control
• anger
• bizarre thoughts

According to research, the things that we eat during pregnancy can have a major effect on how we feel. For example, depressed patients are often low on folic acid and iron, both of which are very important in pregnancy. Sugar and stimulants should be avoided in pregnancy and in the early days with you baby, because they give you a quick high by stimulating neurotransmitter release. After that, you experience a steep drop in feel-good chemicals. Another important nutrient in keeping your serotonin levels topped up is the amino acid tryptophan. It is found in food that contain protein like turkey, fish, bananas, avocados, cottage cheese and wheatgerm.

Other safe and natural mood enhancers include vitamin B, vitamin C or omega 3 fats - which you can find in fatty fish or supplements.

Postnatal depression often begins in pregnancy and mothers-to-be don’t realize it. Be alert to these symptoms and catch it before it gets out of control.

The above is just a guide and I hope it will help you deal with your situation. Always remember to consult your doctor, but (my personal advice) before going on additional medication please do consider whether it may just be your current medication that is giving you these symptoms, and inform you GP that you would like to discontinue it's use and see the effects first.

For more info, contact the Post Natal Depression Support Association of South Africa on: Email: info@pndsa.org.za
Help Line: +27 (0)82 429 2279
National help-line: +27 (0)82 882 0072