Study shows that postpartum depression is real and affects one out of five women. After giving birth, many women sink into a severe depression that is hardly noticeable.
A study was carried out by the National Library of Medicine in 2018 but published in 2023. Over 18.7% of the 171 women studied suffer from severe postpartum depression. The study follow-up took a duration of six to ten weeks for conclusive results.
Dr. Saudi Farooqui, part of the group carrying out the study mentioned that depression can last from a few hours to two weeks. It may go unnoticed at times and confused for exhaustion after giving birth.
A few symptoms of post parturition depression include mood swings, restlessness, anxiety, and loneliness. As a caregiver to a mother suffering severe depression, it is advised to offer support by seeking healthcare.
Studies have also shown that partner conflict easily increases the severity of depression sevenfold. PPD can harbour negative effects on the mother-infant attachment and ultimately the child’s development.
When in PPD, the mother may not feel like breastfeeding the child, much less holding the baby. They are too drained to do so much as leave the bed. It is during this time that the child needs to be connected to the mother through breastfeeding and maternal contact.
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” Sadness, anxiety, irritability, sleeping disorders, and general fatigue are much stronger than the baby blues that limit a mother from performing the simple task of changing the baby’s diapers.”
Dr Farooqui said.
Baby blues are the emotional and psychological effects a mother goes through during the first delivery. For postpartum depression, however, the depression can be triggered during subsequent deliveries. It is therefore seen as more severe than baby blues.
In response to this, Dr Farooqi pleads for increased campaigns on PPD. Many mothers need information on the existence of PPD and the treatment solutions available.
Read Also: Did you know Men too Suffer Postpartum Depression?
