Will I get Post Natal Depression – Signs to look for

September 04, 2023
Posted by MaterniTea Co

WHAT IS POST NATAL DEPRESSION?

It's the term given to depression that develops between one month and up to one year after the birth of a baby. Affecting 1 in 7 women in Australia every year.

Its important that both you and your partner are aware of the signs of Post Natal Depression so that you are able to seek help when needed.

There is an adjustment period that all parents go through as they try to adapt to the huge challenges and changes that come with the arrival of a new baby. Most people will settle into their own groove and this period of adjustment will only be temporary and not too overwhelming.

For most women the “baby blues” will set in the first few days after having a baby.

This usually only lasts 3-5 days and is causes by the huge hormonal changes, the emotional rollercoaster of finally meeting your baby and the changes happening in your body.

Usually a good support network will be sufficient to help get your through, however if these feelings last beyond the early days and seem to be getting worse, it can be a sign that depression is developing.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?

Some of the most common signs of post natal depression include:

Feeling overly anxious or panicky
Feels of failure as a mum
A sense of hopelessness about your life, that things wont get better
Trouble sleeping or sleeping for too long
A very low mood
Excessive worry about the baby
Fear of going out or being alone
Feeling exhausted, sad and empty

In some cases women will experience thoughts about leaving their new family or may be worried their partner will leave them. Sometime ideas of self harm or harm to the baby can occur. In this case you should seek medical help straight away.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

If you feel that you have had any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks talk to your doctor or midwife. Often your post natal check up is a good time to discuss these feelings with your care providers who are experienced in how to diagnose and treat the situation. Its important for you and your baby that post natal depression be properly diagnosed and managed.

HOW IS POST NATAL DEPRESSION TREATED?

Every woman’s situation is different and there are a number of treatments that can help, such as:

Support strategies
Medications such as anti-depressants
Councelling

Sometimes just being aware of the diagnosis can help you by understanding why you’re feeling the way you are and helping your partner understand why you may be acting a certain way. Bringing attention to it can help others to know how to best support you.

POST NATAL RECOVERY

We so often put all the emphasis on taking care of our bodies while pregnant and suddenly once bub arrives its all about the baby and we tend to forget that what our baby needs most is a happy healthy Mama.

Our Post Natal Recovery Pack has been professionally developed by our team of Naturopaths, Dietitians and Tea Master to provide simple natural support to New Mums.

Using organic herbal tea blends that are specifically designed to help: