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Postnatal depression, often called post-partum depression, is a common and serious condition that many new mothers experiences. It can be hard to understand and even harder to deal with, as it seems like no one understands what you’re going through and you feel like your family and friends don’t support you enough when you’re feeling down. The good news is that PND is very treatable and there are many resources available if you know where to look. Here’s everything you need to know about coping with PND:
Postnatal depression (also called postpartum depression, baby blues, or postnatal psychosis) is a severe form of depression that occurs in women during the first few months after giving birth. It can affect as many as one in eight new mothers and is not just a “mommy’s blues.” PND is a type of depressive disorder that causes intense feelings of sadness, emptiness, guilt, and restlessness.
You may feel like you have “nothing to look forward to” because everybody is happy and healthy and you’re feeling so inadequate and guilty about it all. Some new moms with depression experience feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame. You may even feel like you failed as a mother, and that you’ll never be good enough. PND can be very isolating, as many women with PND feel ashamed or afraid to tell anyone they care about what they’re going through.
Get tips about getting rid of Parental Anxiety in the Toddler Years
Many women experience depression during the postpartum period, and breastfeeding is often cited as a possible trigger. However, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses that there is no sound evidence that breastfeeding causes or increases the risk of depression. Depression is a very real and serious illness and there’s no reason to bottle-feed and feel guilty. That said, if you are depressed while breastfeeding, it can be very difficult to feel better. Breastfeeding can be an incredible source of comfort and relief for new moms who are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and guilty. If you find that you can’t relax and enjoy it, you may want to explore ways to cope with your depression.
Postnatal depression is a serious condition that many new moms experience. It can be hard to understand and even harder to deal with, as it seems like no one understands what you’re going through and you feel like your family and friends don’t support you enough when you’re feeling down. The good news is that PND is very treatable and there are many resources available if you know where to look. Here’s everything you need to know about coping with PND.