Post Natal Depression

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

• Don't try to be superwoman – caring for your baby means you will have to reduce commitments in other areas of your life.
• Do involve your partner as much as possible.
  
• Do ask people you trust to help with practical chores like housework.
  
• Do 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.
  
• Do get enough nourishment. Choose nutritious foods that require little cooking.
  
• Do organise a daily treat, however small. It could be a walk in the park, a work out or a coffee and chat with friends.
  
• Do set aside time for relaxing with friends and family
  
• Do find time to have fun. Accept genuine offers to baby-sit and get out for a meal the cinema or simply to visit friends.
  
• Do be open about your feelings and worries. This will help others understand what you need.
  
• Do 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.
  
• Don't blame yourself or him. Life is tough at this time. Quarrels can weaken your relationships when it needs to be at its strongest.
  
• Don't move house (if you can help it) while you are pregnant or / some months after the delivery.
  
• Do 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.
  

How can fathers help?

• Try as a couple to go out without the children
  
• Don't force the mother to do anything she is not ready for
  
• 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
• 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 Postnatal 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 postnatal Depression
  By Fiona Marshall, Sheldon Press 1993

Useful organisations

La Leche League
Mother and toddler groups Parent-line