During pregnancy, a woman psychologically prepares for motherhood, as well as for the difficulties that lie ahead in this period. After giving birth, many women experience fear of breastfeeding and caring for a baby. Fear for the health of the child may also appear , after which the woman calms down and enters the role of the mother. More painful states of anxiety, unreasonable for objective reasons, can arise under the influence of psychosocial factors (for example, a conflict with a husband). After giving birth , a woman may experience postpartum depression in the first 2 to 4 weeks . As a result of the ongoing psychophysiological processes in the body, postpartum psychosis can develop . Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum depression, which requires timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Often, women with postpartum psychosis can not fully assess their condition.                     

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The main signs of postpartum depression are:

• anxiety;
• confusion of consciousness;
• irritability;
• guilt;
• sleep disorders;
• violation of appetite;
• hallucinations;
• the presence of crazy ideas;
• manic manifestations;
• low self-esteem.

In neurotic depression, low mood can be combined with anxiety for the child. Sleep becomes anxious, superficial. Disorganization contributes to maladjustment in behavior, the quality of childcare decreases . A depressive episode may occur 10-13 days after childbirth or later for no apparent reason, or due to stress. Depression can be accompanied by a lack of love for the child, feelings of failure. Depressive symptoms can vary in their severity, with suicidal thoughts and their realization.           

Treatment of postpartum depression

In postpartum depressive disorders, antidepressants are prescribed, taking into account the clinical features of the symptoms. In case of anxiety, fears, it is recommended to use tranquilizers or antidepressants with anxiolytic anti – anxiety effect, at night – hypnotic drugs. At the time of therapy, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding the baby. If there is a threat to the child’s life due to the mental state of the mother, it is necessary to separate the child from the mother. One of the family members must take care of the child for a while . In a state of psychosis, even during treatment in a hospital, the mother of the child is contraindicated to care for the child. With suicidal intentions, a woman should be hospitalized. The antidepressants used should be selected with the least side effects to avoid drowsiness and unnecessary relaxation.                   

For mild symptoms of postpartum depression, the following tips may help:

• a woman needs to rest. Walking in the fresh air, as well as healthy sleep will help ;  
• do not refuse to accept the help of grandparents who love to feel important;  
• do yoga, go to the bathhouse, make pleasant purchases; 
• drink complex vitamins containing iodine and magnesium;  
• take a mild sedative with your doctor first.