When the Joy of Motherhood Turns into a Nightmare – Postpartum Depression

Becoming a mother is seen as a joyous part of a woman’s life. Think of the stories we tell children about where babies come from: a mommy and a daddy, who love each other very much, make a wish and the stork shows up with a new baby for them. This is a very Disneyfied version of the truth that we relay to our children. Yet, we also simplify the process for the soon to be mothers as well.

Pregnancy and successfully giving birth to a child is not always guaranteed. Many people are choosing to have children later in life, which increases the difficulty of conceiving and carrying a child to term. 10 to 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, a commonality that is not shared very openly due to the shame and stigma around the loss. Take into account the variety of incidents of pregnancy that do not include a loving supportive partner. As of 2019, 4.5% of households with underage children are led by a single mother.

A more common concern for an expecting mother are depressive symptoms that may occur during and after giving birth.

What is Peripartum Depression?

Peripartum, formerly postpartum, depression can be a very difficult consequence of pregnancy. Peripartum depression refers to depression that can occur during or after pregnancy. It is a serious, yet treatable condition that involves feelings of extreme sadness, apathy and/or anxiety as well as changes in energy levels, sleep and appetite. The condition carries risk for both the mother and child.

Approximately one in seven women experience peripartum depression. Pregnancy and after birth can be a very vulnerable time for a woman. It is common for mothers to experience a lot of biological, emotional, financial and social change at this time. Mental health problems, in particular depression and anxiety, can develop.

Peripartum depression is different from the “baby blues” that up to 70 percent of all new mothers experience. The “baby blues” are typically short lasting and do not interfere with day-to-day life. Symptoms include crying for no reason, irritability, restlessness and anxiety. These symptoms last typically for a week or two and resolve on their own without the need for treatment.

What makes peripartum depression different from the “baby blues” is the emotional and physical affects may continue for many months and be devasting for the mother and the child.

Symptoms of Peripartum Depression

Symptoms must begin during pregnancy or within four weeks of delivery:

·       Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

·       Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

·       Change in appetite

·       Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping

·       Loss of energy or fatigue

·       Purposeless physical activity (pacing, hand wringing, etc.) or slowed movements and speech

·       Feeling worthless or guilty

·       Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

·       Thoughts of death or suicide

·       Crying for “no reason”

·       Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded or feeling anxious about/around the baby

·       Feelings of being a bad mother

·       Fear of harming the baby or oneself

Treating Peripartum Depression

Antidepressants

Though antidepressants can be prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advised to attempt treatment without medication if the symptoms are mild to moderate in strength. Antidepressant options include:

·       Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

·       Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

·       Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

·       Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Emotional Freedom Technique:

EFT, also known as tapping, can be an effective way of treating peripartum depression. EFT involves tapping on acupressure points on your own body in order to calm the amygdala, the fear center of the brain. The tapping allows for the Chi (emotional energy) to move more freely and bring a sense of relief and calm to the mind and body.

Tapping can be used during and after pregnancy to help alleviate the depressive symptoms that one is experiencing and bring relief. EFT can be used with an experienced mental health practitioner to alleviate the source of the depression, thus preventing any discomfort from being experienced at all. Tapping also poses no risk for the child both during and after pregnancy, when being done under the supervision of an experience practitioner.

For a soon to be mother, a lot of emotions can arise from the mother’s own childhood that may impact their feelings about becoming a mother themselves. These unresolved feelings can negatively impact the pregnancy and child rearing.

Experiencing the Joy of Motherhood

Being pregnant and becoming a mother can be a joyous event. By being aware of the symptoms of peripartum depression, you can take actions to prevent the pain and discomfort from affecting the pregnancy experience. You can let go of the complicated history that you may have from your own childhood and be the mother that you want to be and that your child deserves. A loving and support parent.

If that is the kind of mother that you would like to be for your child, then feel free to take advantage of the free tapping session that I offer to see if EFT and I are a good fit for you.