By Richmond Natural Medicine

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March 6, 2018

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The majority (up to 85%) of new moms experience some level of postpartum baby blues. And another 10-15% experience more severe postpartum depression.

Bringing new life into the world is a miraculous ability of the female body. The time around birth can be joyous and exciting.  Can you imagine this time also being full of feelings of overwhelm, fear, fatigue, and depression?

What causes postpartum depression (PPD)?

The emotional experience of giving birth is enough to cause changes in mood, but on top of that women experience a multitude of physical and biochemical changes during the birthing process. Specifically changes within the immune system as well as the endocrine system especially the HPA-axis, thyroid, and sex steroids (estrogen & progesterone).  These fluxes in hormones and inflammatory systems can trigger the alteration of mood and energy.

In addition to the physical changes, other mental/emotional aspects often contribute to the depression as well.

A 2009 meta-analysis on the rates and risk of PPD showed that a past history of psychopathology and psychological disturbance during pregnancy, poor marital relationship and low social support, and stressful life events were the strongest predictors of PPD.

Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression

The baby blues are most common and may only last a couple weeks and resolve on their own. Other times the low mood may continue and be more severe, this is postpartum depression. PPD can develop in the first few weeks after birth or up to 6 months later.

How do I know if I have the blues or if I have full-blown postpartum depression?

Symptoms of baby blues:                 Symptoms of PPD:

Mood swings                                               Depressed mood

Crying spells                                               Excessive crying

Sadness                                                       Withdrawing from support

Irritability                                                   Difficulty bonding w/baby

Overwhelm                                                 Intense irritability or anger

Poor focus                                                   Severe anxiety + panic

Sleep difficulty                                           Mental fog and inability to make decisions        

                                                                      Thoughts of harming yourself or baby

                                                                      Thoughts of death and suicide

How do we support mothers through PPD?

We approach PPD just like we approach all of our cases here at RNM, with a whole person perspective (mind, body, spirit). We are looking at all aspects of the woman, not just that she is a new mother.  We listen to her story, her history, how she shows up in the world and what has led to this point.

We are taking into account all levels of being in our approach:

• Physical: The biochemical changes that occur during childbirth – focusing on balancing the hormones is very important here. As is enough sleep!
• Social: Does she have enough support at home? Does she have enough time to take care of herself and her needs in addition to her new baby?
• Mental: Do we need other members on her care team? Therapy and counseling may be suggested if not already a part of mom’s health care team. What are her daily thoughts and perceptions? How can we shift these to be more positive and self-nurturing?
• Emotional: Checking in with her feelings and her own experience of depression. Each mother’s experience of PPD is unique, we take this into consideration to offer individualized support. Our therapies work not only on the physical body, but the emotional body as well.
• Spirit: This part of being is the most subtle, yet can provide the most profound changes in health. Often times over the course of treatment working on the previously described levels of being we create space for the spirit to show up.  Energetic medicines like specific homeopathics, flower essences, and energy work like Reiki, Craniosacral therapy, and even Gemstone acupoint therapy can offer support on this level. Ultimately though, this part of being is sacred to each individual. It is she, and only she, that can tap into her spirit, and invite it to be fully present in her life.

Many of us go through different mood states throughout our lives. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or postpartum depression, there are many ways our naturopathic doctors can support you on your healing journey.  If you are suffering from postpartum depression, please contact our office at (804) 977-2634 to receive the support you need.