Causes
The exact causes of Post Natal Depression are still unknown. Among the risk factors are:
- Previous history of depression.
- Experiencing the birth as difficult.
- An accumulation of misfortunes like bereavement, losing a job, money problems.
- Isolation and a lack of support.
Signs and Symptoms
Post Natal Depression can have a broad spectrum of symptoms which vary in severity.
Example:
- Tearfulness
- Irritability
- Extreme tiredness
- Insomnia
- Lack of interest
- A sense of inferiority
- Marked changes in mood
- Fear
- Lack of sexual desire
- Guilt – Hopelessness
- Panic attacks
What can you do?
- Believe you will get better.
- Seek and accept help.
- Talk to your GP or public health nurse.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do…
- Involve your partner as much as possible.
- Ask people you trust to help with practical chores like housework.
- Take every opportunity to rest. Try to learn the art of catnapping. Your partner can give the baby a bottle feed at night using experience milk if you like.
- Get enough nourishment. Choose nutritious foods that require little cooking.
- Organise a daily treat, however small. It could be a walk in the park, a work out or a coffee and chat with friends.
- Set aside time for relaxing with friends and family.
- Find time to have fun. Accept genuine offers to baby-sit and get out for a meal the cinema or simply to visit friends.
- Be open about your feelings and worries. This will help others understand what you need.
- Let yourself and your partner be intimate, even if you don’t feel like sex – kiss and a cuddle can be a source of comfort and help the returning of full sexual desire.
- Find out what support networks are available in your local area and contact them. Mother in a similar situation can provide emotional and practical support.
Don’t…
- Move house (if you can help it) while you are pregnant or / some months after the delivery.
- Blame yourself or him. Life is tough at this time. Quarrels can weaken your relationships when it needs to be at its strongest.
- Try to be superwoman – caring for your baby means you will have to reduce commitments in other areas of your life.
How can fathers help?
Do…
- Try as a couple to go out without the children.
- Frequently reassure her that her illness is temporary and she will get better.
- Encourage activity, even though she might resist e.g. suggest a walk
Don’t…
- Leave her alone with the baby too long.
- Force the mother to do anything she is not ready for.
- Walk out on her.
How can family and friends help?
- Encourage the depressed mother to seek help from GP, public health nurse or counsellor.
- Try to be patient.
- Assist in arranging practical childcare.
- Try to let her express her true feelings and treat them with sympathy.
- Try to find out more about Post Natal Depression.
- Try to make sure the new mother gets enough food and rest.
- Give her a massage – this helps with relaxation.
- Reassure her of your support.
Useful Reading
- Book of Post Natal Depression
By Heather Welford, National Childbirth Trust - Coping with Post Natal Depression
By Mary Pigot, Columba Press - The Year After Childbirth
By S Kitzinger, Hrper Collins, Toronto, 1993 - Coping with Post Natal Depression
By Fiona Marshall, Sheldon Press 1993
Useful Organisations
- La Leche League
- Mother and toddler groups Parent-line
