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Mothers can be considered true heroes. But even heroes may from time to time need praise and encouragement, especially after childbirth.
postpartum depression
According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50% to 75% of new mothers experience postpartum depression after giving birth and up to 15% of these women tend to develop a more severe, long-lasting depression. They can appear in the first weeks after delivery and may quickly go away even without medical help. Generally, all a woman needs is love, encouragement and help with household chores.
Drastic drop in hormone levels
According to a physician named Crystal Edler Schiller, there is a direct correlation between the serious drop in hormones after childbirth and postpartum depression. The amounts of estrogen and progesterone (reproductive hormones) increase during pregnancy and fall immediately after delivery.
Usually hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels within a few days. Social and psychological changes in the new mother, the people around her and the home atmosphere, besides the physical changes, increase the risk of postpartum depression.
You should definitely seek medical help if, several weeks after delivery, you continually feel sad, tired or helpless. Postpartum depression is treatable and the first, most important step is a visit to a doctor. And if necessary, the doctor will give you a referral to a mental health specialist.
Social isolation
A dramatic change in lifestyle, even when a woman is prepared to have a baby, leaves its mark on her emotional state. Life out there goes on, but you are simply no longer a big part of it and you focus on the well-being of the baby, which often means spending most of your time at home. At that moment even a simple visit can be an enormous support.
Some of the main reasons that cause women who give birth to feel sad are stressful changes and little support. In this case new moms could use friends to cheer them up a bit. Simple communication with friends does wonders in the life of a woman who sits at home with a baby 24/7. And throwing a party to celebrate the new status can be a great idea!
Have you ever helped a friend who had these symptoms? In what way?
