Post Natal Depression Can Happen To New Mums and Dads...
What Is Post Natal Depression?
Post Natal Depression or Postpartum Depression is a real depression, both emotional and physical, which affects some new mothers and fathers. It only happens to a few new parents, thankfully, but for those few it can be very debilitating, robbing them of the joy of parenthood. The actual figures are varied and not exact but it is estimated at between 5% - 25% of new mothers are affected by postpartum depression and for new fathers the figures can be between 1% and 20%.
Is it Depression?
Or Is It Just Baby Blues?
For some 85% of new mothers (and sometimes fathers) about 3 days after the birth a period of tears and sadness occurs. It is very common, in fact it is considered normal, and usually only lasts a few days.
This is called the “Baby Blues”.
This is nothing to worry about and will it subside of its own accord in a few days.
Symptoms of Post Natal Depression
Symptoms can begin before delivery or start from two to four weeks after the baby arrives. They can range in severity but if they are severe and last more than two weeks it is best to see a doctor as it may not be Baby Blues but clinical depression.
Physical:
- Changes in eating patterns
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Lack of desire for sex
- Crying episodes
- Low energy levels
- Exhaustion
Emotional:
- Irritability
- Guilt
- Sadness
- Feeling of a loss of identity
- Fear of parenthood ("can I look after a baby?")
- Fear of loss of control
- Feeling of isolation
- Feeling of lack of support
Causes
Post-natal depression is not clearly understood, as it is very individual.
It could be due to:
- Genetics
- Prior episodes of depression
- Hormonal changes
- Feelings of aloneness and inability to cope
- The huge upheaval in daily life due to the baby's needs
- Not breastfeeding
- Cigarette smoking
- Racial origins
- Low socio-economic levels
What to Do?
Having a baby is the most wonderful experience for new parents eagerly awaiting the birth of their child. And some women have no emotional upsets following the birth of their baby and only suffer the usual extreme tiredness due to the unrelenting call for 24 hour nursing and care that all new babies need.
So it is important to take time for yourself after giving birth.
Once home allow yourself 2-3 hours a week just for you.
Do this and it will help keep the Blues away, restore a sense of identity, confidence and provide an energy boost.
After all, you have spent the last nine months carrying and nurturing this child. Now taking 3 hours a week for yourself is perfectly all right, in fact necessary, as you are the prime carer for this child and will be for many years to come. Remember to take care of yourself so you can take care of your beautiful new baby!
Remember that the birth of a baby brings so many changes in a family’s life – take your time adjusting to the new routine.
Join a group of other new mothers and share your highs and lows with them.
Using essential oils is great for all women who have just had a baby and are feeling a bit blue. If it is deeper than that, give yourself some time to adjust. If the depression does not ease or you feel unable to cope, then approach your doctor for advice. But in all cases, essential oils can be used to help you feel better and boost your wellbeing through aromatherapy.
Essential Oils
When you use essential oils they can give you that sense of being special and rebuild feelings of being able to cope with this tremendous change in your life. There are several essential oils which you can choose from:
Lavender, Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose and Neroli to lift the spirits and comfort the heart.
Clary Sage and Geranium help to normalize feelings, correct hormonal imbalance and regulate mood swings.
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Jasmine essential oil
- 3 drops Clary Sage essential oil
- 3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 1 drop Mandarin essential oil
Directions:
Combine the above oils and add them to a bath. Soak and relax.
Recipe Two
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Geranium essential oil
- 3 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Jasmine essential oil
Directions:
Mix together and add to a bath and soak and relax.
Note
With both recipes and the essential oils mentioned above you can apply them in a massage, a burner or in the bath.
To use them in a massage make it a total of 30 drops to 30ml carrier oil of choice and massage over the belly.
To use them in a burner or in a bath, just a few drops of the pure essential oils. Relax, breathe in deeply, and believe that you have the right to some time to yourself.
