Roughly 1.3 million expectant mothers will suffer from Postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth. The chemical and hormonal changes that mother’s experience dramatically affect the body and the brain.
According to Dr. Shoshana Bennett, a well-established psychologist and maternal mental health expert, and author of “Postpartum Depression of Dummies”, “Postpartum depression is a major public health problem which not only adversely affects the well-being of mothers.. their children and families, but also their community.”
Dr. Shosh (as she’s often referred to as by her clients) says that over 50 percent of fathers whose wives experience PPD also experience symptoms. This sickness can obviously carry over into the work setting and society.
PPD is not to be mistaken with normal mood swings that happen to over 80 percent of mothers after the first few weeks after giving birth. More significant and serious postpartum symptoms include:
- Mostly down and hopeless emotions that makes new mothers feel guilty and lack confidence. (affects 15 percent of New Mothers)
- Extreme anxiety and irrational, uncontrollable fear from Postpartum Panic Disorder (affects 10 percent of New Mothers)
- Mothers who fear hurting their baby go to extremes such as throwing away kitchen knives to avoid fulfilling persistent and terrifying thoughts caused by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (9 percent of new mothers affected)
- Complications from birth can turn into postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder causing nightmares, extreme anxiety and flashbacks (affects roughly 6 percent of New Mothers).
- At the most extreme is symptoms where mothers would harm or kill their babies because of psychosis. This obviously requires immediate medical attention and is called Postpartum Psychosis (affecting 0.2 Percent of New Mothers).
Fortunately, there is no shame or oddness in mother’s experiencing anxiety or depression after giving birth. There are ways to find relief particularly through therapy.
Some of the most common therapy options for new moms include:
- Psychotherapy—which highlights thoughts and emotions that may be distressing and effectively changes them.
- Alternative therapies—acupuncture and omega-3 fatty acid vitamin supplements can improve emotions and mood disorders giving mothers hope for the future.
- Medications—in combination with psychotherapy, a new mother can be back to feeling good again in no time.
- Chiropractic care—wellness strategies such as chiropractic care give new mothers the stress relief they need.
Keep these treatments in mind should you or someone you love suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms associated with giving birth. It is an emotional time, but with the right guidance, you can feel balanced and better in time.
If you’re expecting and in need of pregnancy chiropractic care, Vital Health Chiropractic of Moon Township, PA, is dedicated to helping you improve your health. Call 412-424-0019 or contact us today in Moon Township, PA, to schedule your appointment today!