Prevent Postnatal Depression

Did you know that one out of seven to ten new mothers may suffer postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression develops after a woman as given birth to a baby. It usually occurs within the first months after giving birth.

Mothers who are suffering from postnatal depression are usually easily irritated and moody. They lose appetite and cannot enjoy themselves. They usually cry a lot especially in the mornings and feel miserable about themselves. Postnatal depression or PND may cause mothers to become frequently anxious.

If PND worsens, it could lead to postnatal psychosis where the mother would likely think of suicide or killing her baby or babies. This type of depression or psychosis has been reported for several times in America and other parts of the world.

A good way to prevent this from happening is to make the mother, while she is still pregnant, feel good about herself. Give her compliments about how beautiful she is, how wonderful it is to have a baby. And of course, a healthy diet always lessens the risk of any depression. Do not give an expectant mother something to stress about. Always provide support and affection.

It is also important to make her feel special during pregnancy and after childbirth.

There is no answer as to what causes PND, although it is treatable, prevention is always better than cure.