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Freedom from Mommy Blues- Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is stressful, it doesn’t matter how much you look forward to it or how much you love your child. Considering the new responsibilities, sleep deprivation, and the possible lack of time for yourself, it’s no surprise that lots of new moms feel as if they’ are on an emotional rollercoaster.

What is Postpartum Depression

The depression during the early days of childbirth is perfectly normal. But if you have symptoms that don’t go away after a few weeks or get worse, (possibly) you may be suffering from something called as  “Postpartum Depression” or PPD or Postnatal Depression. 

You just had a baby and you are basking in the glory of being a new mom. You expected to celebrate the arrival of your little “Mini You” with your friends and family. But, instead of celebrating the moment with your family, you feel like crying. Instead of excitement, you feel exhausted and anxious.

 

You are not alone in Postpartum Depression

There are a lot of women who experience Postpartum Depression, or at least some of the symptoms immediately after childbirth, or within the initial few months. It is a feeling which is precipitated by the sudden hormonal change after delivery. The stress, isolation, sleep deprivation and fatigue, what makes it worse is it coming along with the happiest thing in your life. You might not be able to enjoy happiness and feeling more tearful, overwhelmed while being emotionally fragile.

Usually, this phase starts within the first couple of days after childbirth, peak around one week, and then taper off by the end of the second week postpartum.

Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

In the beginning, postpartum depression may look like the normal baby blues. In fact, postpartum depression shares its symptoms with the baby blues, including mood swings, crying jags, low energy, sadness, insomnia and irritability between those in numerous non-stop breastfeeding sessions. however, the symptoms are more severe (possible chances of suicidal thoughts, not being able to care for your newborn) and long-lasting.

  • If you find that you are withdrawing from your partner or unable to bond well with the baby.
  • Or if Your anxiety is out of control, preventing you from a decent sleeping, even when your baby is asleep.
  • You find feelings of guilt or worthlessness overwhelming you
  • or You begin to develop thoughts which are preoccupied with death.

These are all the “Red flags” for postpartum depression.



Causes of postpartum depression

There’s no single reason why some new mothers develop symptoms of postpartum depression and while few others don’t, also few develop only a few symptoms, for the smaller duration while other may have a long duration depression. There is a number of interrelated causes and risk factors which are believed to contribute to the postpartum depression.

  • Hormonal changes

Right after childbirth, women experience a big drop in her (estrogen and progesterone) hormone levels. Even her thyroid levels can drop, which often leads to fatigue and depression. This rapid hormonal change—along with other changes in our body like -blood pressure, immune system and metabolism that she experience being a new mother, also triggers postpartum depression.

  • Physical changes. 

Giving birth also brings along numerous physical and emotional changes along with the baby. YA new mom may be dealing with physical pain due to her delivery, her stitches or abdomen pain, the difficulty of losing that extra baby weight, leave her insecure about her physical and sexual attractiveness.

  • Stress

The stress of taking care of the newborn can also take a toll. New mothers are often sleep deprived. In addition, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about your ability to properly care for your baby. These adjustments can be particularly difficult if you’re a first-time mother who must get used to an entirely new identity.

Postpartum Depression, PostNatal Depression
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Coping with Postpartum depression

  1. Accept your feelings. – It is perfectly normal for the emotions of the new mom in you, to fluctuate. Parenting is not easy,  it is the hardest job in the world. All moms might feel angry at their kids even though they have an intense love for them. so it’s a mixed bag. accept it.
  2. Talk about your feelings.- Share your feelings with other fellow moms, consider joining a parenting support group through Facebook, Instagram. Parenting help groups provide an excellent platform to learn strategies that will help you to manage complex parenting issues. Moreover if nothing else, you will feel better that you are not alone in here 🙂
  3. Time management strategies. – Time management helps everyone, nothing feels as great as having time under our control. Though with young kids, you may not have an active timetable. But you may have a basic time schedule for yourself and follow it in a best possible way. An hour here or there would be fine, but try to stick to it. This shall help you with finishing your daily chores as well as bring your kids into routine later. It will also help you feel less burdened and in better control of your life. 
  4. Ask for Help. -Many women believe that, they would be a good mom if they do it all alone. But mind you, this job is too hectic and a long one. Do not hesitate to communicate your needs to your spouse/family. And don’t feel guilty stepping back a little to encourage them to help. You may also ask for help from your friends and family, or possibly hire a babysitter depending on your needs and your finances.
  5. Take time for yourself.- Anytime during the day, take some moments for yourself. Be it a few moments to have a cup of coffee in peace. Even reading the newspaper or a magazine can renew your energy. As they say, (whenever possible)- try to take a nap when your child does. Find a few minutes to exercise, though it might be hard to go to the gym, try some easy exercise at home or take a walk to a nearby park. Don’t forget any form of exercise is good as it releases those mood-lifting endorphins.

 

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This is my Week 3, Post 1, You can find all my posts under the hashtag #TuggunMommyWrites

122 thoughts on “Freedom from Mommy Blues- Postpartum Depression

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  • i know PPD as i went through it myself and hence i know how it is. i am glad i had a good support system and i could choose to change before it went far for me.

    Reply
  • The PPD can be really hard on new moms. You cant enjoy that your little one is here with you. I know of someone who had to get hospitalised for it. It helps when you have someone to talk to.

    Reply
  • momtasticworld

    I have been through this and it is really important to know about postpartum depression. More you are aware about it easier it would be for you to understand the symptoms. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply
  • Good tips! PPD as a topic needs to be talked about more. Am glad you wrote about this.

    Reply
  • I’m glad people like you talk about this. I swear I had this issue after my second delivery and there weytimes when I was totally helpless!! The most important problem was that nobody knows that such a situation can happen in mommies and so everybody ignores!! I think the awareness has to be given to the whole family even before the delivery.

    Reply
  • You know mine went so bad that it took me over a year, meds , counseling and lot of family support to get out of it
    Only best part was I cud recognise it well in time

    Reply
  • I have seen many moms with this issue and it’s really difficult phase but yoga can help to curb this phase

    Reply
  • I underwent through this phase and can connect to this post very well. Time, family support, and little affection from loved ones can do wonders.

    Reply
  • I feel PPD is something all moms should be given awareness about during the mother’s pregnancy period itself!

    Reply
  • Most moms I know could’nt get much help and didn’t realize that they needed to ask for it. Wish we could somehow spread more awareness on PPD

    Reply
  • It’s important that one should realize what you are feeling and you should speak to someone… Agree that one should take out tome for self pampering

    Reply
  • This is true a lot many women are fighting with PPD… Family support is much needed here along with accepting the reality

    Reply
  • babyandbeyondin

    There is such a stigma around this topic that new moms rarely admit if by are going through this phase. I’m glad to see influencers like yourself talking about it so that women realize that they can come forward and seek help.

    Reply
  • PPD is real and many women fighting are unaware of their own state. I like how you wrote it smoothly explaining the symptoms and coping strategies..

    Reply
  • Neha Sharma

    Such a great post, Gunjan. It’s high time people start accepting depression as a common problem which can be treated with proper care. Many times, new moms don’t even know that they are suffering from Postpartum depression, this post will help them in understanding it better & taking the right course of action.

    Reply
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  • I have also faced it after having my second child, but luckily i got out of it. You have explained it very nicely.
    And I absolutely loved reading your other blog posts as well.. It’s an Awesome space Tuggu n mommy..

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Thank you Roopali for your kind words. Means a lot

      Reply
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  • I agree there are a lot of changes and a lot is overwhelming. It is important to accept and ask for help. Trying to compare or doing everything on your own will only push you to the brink.

    Reply
  • ppd is so real and I think majority of new moms go through it. some mild and some severe. it is a lot to do with hormones and the sleepless nights. depending on the intensity every mom must seek the right help. and it’s also very important that people around her acknowledge it and recognise that it’s a reality

    Reply
  • Postpartum depression is the most ignore form of depression. Loved your write up. I will be writing something similar soon, may I link your post to mine?

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Thank you so much. Glad it motivated you to write more about it. We should totally talk and spread it. Do link my post.. and let me know if you need some help. Connect to me at tuggu.n.mommy@gmail.com

      Reply
  • Anmol Rawat

    Quite an informative article indeed. I’m sure many are not aware of it or can’t identify.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Exactly. Even we moms seem to have miss the symptoms for ourselves

      Reply
  • I am so glad you took out the time to write this post. In our country, child birth is considered very normal and post partum depression is conveniently ignored. Thank you for writing this post, it will help many mothers and their families to detect the symptoms and seek remedies. #MyFriendAlexa #MayuraReads

    Reply
  • I had gone through the phase of having PPD with my firstborn. The circumstances were such that even living in a joint family I went into this depression. Why? Because there was no one to guide me through. No one to tell that yes things can go wrong and everybody is not always fit n fine after delivering the baby. Thankfully, my parents took me with them and I could come out of it before it was too late.
    Great post as always. #readbypreetispanorama for #MyFriendAlexa

    Reply
  • This is such an important topic for discussion..most of us know this but never talked about it . thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Thanks Neha

      Reply
  • This is the new normal. But many women don’t get diagnosed and hence creating further troubles. An elaborate post

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Not exactly normal though I feel awareness is important..I remember my gynac telling my hubby about it. So it helped me to some extent

      Reply
  • The first time I read about Postpartum depression was through another blog and that’s when I realised that things like this could happen. These are very helpful for people facing this and I hope they get to read up on this.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      So true Ranjini, the problem is no body seems to be aware and even we moms never realise it’s happening to us..

      Reply
  • I suffered from PPD after I had my second baby. I never saw it coming, thinking I knew a lot about parenting and managing the stress that comes with being a new Mom.

    I should have asked for help and stepped back but I tried to do it all alone. My stress levels skyrocketed and I was depressed for months.
    Looking back at that time, I wonder why the people around me did not realise what I was going through and support me more.

    I think it is equally important to educate people about PPD in terms of empathy and support system for someone who is suffering.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      So true..as a mom we might not feel it coming.. but we expect our near and dear ones to at least take note of the changes, help and support us.

      Reply
  • Nice detailed post and how to cope with PPD.
    #MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Thank you

      Reply
  • Unknowningly many women suffer from pastpartum depression and it can have severe affect on health if not diagnozed soon. This post is going to be helpful for people to educate themselves.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Thank you Disha.

      Reply
  • Depression in any form isn’t good. I am sure this post will help a lot in combating it.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      I hope people get to know about it. It’s something almost all moms face but they never realise

      Reply
  • Pooja Kawatra Gupta

    Postpartum depression is so real and have seen few fighting with it for over the years as many people don’t understand that this could happen.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      That’s so true Pooja, I remember my gynac telling my hubby about it and hence he could guess why I was so stressed out and irritated. Glad he helped coz he was aware

      Reply
  • Agree with you completely… Its really important to take time out for yourself and reach out for help..involve your partner and the extended family….given that its not only a big physical change but also an emotional, psychological one. Like they say it takes a village to raise a child

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Awesome! You have summarised it so well.. Thank you

      Reply
  • preety85

    postpartum depression is very common and along with medicines family plays an important role to come out from this. thanks for sharing this informative article. #DelhibloggerReads #MyFriendAlexa

    Reply
  • postpartum depression is real and it should be acknowledged and addressed properly. Good detailed article.

    Reply
  • ManangeMan strategy and asking for help are big pointers a new mum needs to ensure.

    Reply
  • Postpartum depression can lead to serious consequences if ignored! More awareness is needed on this and you have done a great job by writing on this topic!

    Reply
  • alpanadeo

    Postpartum depression can get handled if we know the reasons , alarming signs and the ways to help ourselves. The very important point is speaking up. It’s nothing wrong in talking to someone we feel comfortable with.

    #MothersGurukulreads #Myfriendalexa

    Reply
  • Haimanti

    Postpartum depression real… It affects a huge number of mothers all across the world… We should not shy away from it and get help as soon as possible .. Thanks for the detailed and informative post…

    Reply
  • Most soon to be moms are never aware of the soon to arrive hurricane change in life. Further the expectation and pressure crumble them. An informative post.

    Reply
  • Postpartum depression is real. I fought with it for a long period. I loved how you write so smoothly creating awareness among the mass and educating them about this serious issue

    Reply
  • Postpartum depression is for real but many women does not open up much. This is majorly due to lack of awareness and guilty feeling. The post is very informative and strong.
    http://www.zenithbuzz.in
    #MyFriendAlexa #zenithbuzzreads

    Reply
  • A recent delivery and handling a new born can be tiresome. Plus, the hormonal changes and the body trying to find a new balance can really take a toll. I like the way you have written the post. It’s detailed and talks about the ways to overcome post partum depression. This is going to help many. Thanks for the share.

    Reply
  • This deserves to be shared for being such a helpful, insightful and informative post. I wish people acknowledge that PPD is for real

    Reply
  • Most people are not aware of postpartum depression. Thanks for educating about this important ocuurance.

    Reply
  • I had found another post on this topic in #MyFriendAlexa and the more the better. Thanks for writing about this.

    Reply
  • Acknowledging Post partum depresssion by self and the ones around is first step to drive it off rather than running from it. Great post on its awareness.

    Reply
  • that’s a very helpful post, many people dismiss postpartum depression as irrational emotional phase but it should be dealt with properly.

    Reply
  • That’s a detailed post and having suffered twice I can very well relate to it. It’s a difficult phase no doubt.

    Reply
  • A very well-detailed post about PPD… being a mother of two, I went through this phase too.. meditation and yoga really helped.. on days when you can drag yourself to doing it!

    Reply
  • mylittleduniya

    Postpartum depression is still a myth. People don’t really believe what a mom goes through. Thanks writing about it

    Reply
  • I went through postpartum blues for a good 3-4 months too, and some of my thoughts were so scary or negative that I can’t bring myself to believe I went through the same. Wrote a post on it after too.

    Reply
  • Facts well illustrated. Informative read. #MyFriendAlexa #ilaenjoys #Blogchatter

    Reply
  • Super detailed post, this is gonna help newbie mommies around 🙂
    Saving for my future reference.
    #vigorousreads #MyFriendAlexa

    Reply
  • pythoroshan

    Wonderful to see this topic explained so well.. When people talk of depression, they forget there are so many sub-divisions. And especially this one tends to get neglected. The mom often gets shamed top for not handling what so many other mom’s can which is a horribly misguided mindset

    Reply
  • Prerna Wahi

    A useful and well researched post. Postpartum depression is common and sadly does not get the attention it deserves. Hope your post helps create awareness and treatment.

    Reply
  • While I’m not a mom I appreciate you addressing the concerns of new mothers. Great job!

    Reply
  • That’s such a relevant post. All mums face it. Some do not even understand that they are going thru depression.

    Reply
  • This is for real – the postpartum depression and mothers their families must take it seriously, This is the time when role of family comes into place. You have explained it so well. #MyFriendAlexa #gleefulreads

    Reply
  • So glad to read this. I suffered from post partum and my biggest concern was that no one really talked about it. There are only happy pictures of new mothers and everyone around you just assumes all is well. It helps to have a support system who understands and is there to listen..not to provide solutions but to just hear one out!

    Reply
  • Your post shall surely help many moms with these very helpful pointers.. Yes asking help doesn’t make a mom less loving.

    Cheers
    MeenalSonal from AuraOfThoughts
    #MyFriendAlexa #MeenalSonalReads

    Reply
  • Until a couple of years ago, I wasn’t well read about this and hence was always confused why would a mother go into depression. As i read about it few times, I understood the complexity of this.

    Reply
  • This needs to be understood by all and they should deal with care, with somebody suffering from this problem. Nice sharing.

    Reply
  • roysashwata

    Very informative and will definitely be helpful for mothers-to-be.

    Reply
  • great Post Gunjan… i did suffer with postpartum depression. lack of sleep and lack of energy caused that for me.

    Reply
  • I’m not a mommy but have seen Postpartum depression wreaking havoc the sanity of many new mothers around me. It breaks my heart to just think how generations after generations, mothers had to suffer through it and yet obliged to sweep it under the rug. Glad that the new-age mommies are breaking the taboo.

    Reply
  • Post Partum depression is part of motherhood, I believe. Only a lucky few ones might save themselves away from it.

    Reply
  • That’s a good detailed post, Gunjan. Most mothers go through some or the other level of post partum depression, however, not all realise it. It’s a good thing post partum depression is being talked about openly and more and more mothers are being sensitized to the issue. Keep up the good work! 🙂

    Reply
  • Sonam Jain

    Every mom should read about this during pregnancy so they are prepared well in advance

    Reply
  • I have been through this and my doctor had prescribed me some medication also, But I would suggest not to opt for medication but try to resolve it through meditation and other things.

    Reply
  • we can never speak enough about depression because somehow we all go through it.

    Reply
  • True that postpartum depression takes over the bliss time meant for enjoying motherhood. That’s very helpful tips to combat it’s effects

    Reply
  • Amazing and informative post. Very useful and beneficial tips for Postpartum Depression. Great thoughts.

    Reply
  • I am sure a new mommy will go through the same.. lot of people I know personally, get stressed out all most stages of life . Some times even I follow time management strategy and trust me it works

    Reply
  • Akanksha Goel

    Every mom goes through post partum depression atleast once even for a short time. It’s really hard to get into right mindset and framework again but with right support and love, everything is possible. Great tips for new mums.

    Reply
  • I recently went out to seek a shrink to deal with my insomnia during the talks I realized that I was suffering from depression caused by my father’s death which was intensified by postpartum depression. The symtoms you mention Abt red flags that was me once. Thankfully never now. However this post helps uninfiruni mother’s out there. I hope it reaches multiple masses across the globe.

    Reply
  • Neha Sharma

    I guess every other new mom goes through this depressing phase right after the birth of their baby. Your post is really detailed and covers all the important points which will be helpful for new parents to understand and overcome this phase.

    Reply
  • I have always thought about these things in details… I already suffer from anxiety disorders and depressive traits so it won’t be a surprise if I feel something like thus in future.. the tips you gave for overcoming it were really amazing!

    Reply
  • I too personal experience this and give up in life once but with my hubby care & support , I fight with it and overcome with depression

    Reply
  • I have suffered from PPD and I know how tough it was to cope with it. Thanks for writing this. PPD is a silent killer and sadly most of the mothers live in denial or are not aware of it. #surreads #myfriendalexa #blogchatter

    Reply
  • The road to motherhood at times becomes too overwhelming with sudden change of responsibilities, the guilt feelings and so more. PPD needs more such talks openly.

    Reply
  • i had ppd and suffered really badly from it for almost 3-4 months, i am glad i had amazing family support and also information about this, and that is why i was able to fight it.

    Reply
  • Gurjeet Chhabra

    most all mom face this Postpartum depression , it is common but it is very to come out of this face. talking to people specially mommy friend relax you a lot when you feel you are not alone

    Reply
  • Quite ImfiInforma post. Really Learnt alot. Thanks for sharing, will spread the buzz between all Women.

    Reply
  • If more and more people talk about it, i think less and less moms will feel lonely !! A post that all new moms should read!

    Reply
  • Being a Doctor, have seen many patients suffering from PPD. It is important for family to understand them & support.

    Reply
  • Thank you Gunjan for sharing this post. Ppd is finally getting the attention it deserves. Even the govt hospital where I work has posters and brochures talking about it , which is a great achievement in itself

    Reply
  • Shilpa Bindlish

    Juggling with new responsibilities and struggling with time management cause real stress. I personally experienced that too.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      True, juggling between various responsibilities is so difficult and we moms feel so guilty if can’t do anything well. Hope it went off quickly for you

      Reply
  • I didn’t know about that disease. Thank you for sharing detailed post with symptoms, causes and the tips to get over it.

    Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Hi Paresh, well it’s not a disease actually, Depression is more a state of mind. Due to lots of sudden changes post delivery women tend to feel depressed but that can be worked out with due help from others. There is no pills or any standard way to help over it.

      Reply
    • Tuggu N Mommy

      Thank you for reading

      Reply
  • Postpartum depression always happen no matter how much you try to avoid it. I planned hard not be depressed after my second delivery but in vain. But talking to people really helped me

    Reply

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