At least 1 in 8 women suffer with postpartum depression.
We have talked about the benefits of working with a Naturopathic Medical Doctor before and during your pregnancy, but natural care after pregnancy is equally, if not more important due to possible side effects such as Postpartum Depression.
Once your precious child is born, it is important to heal your physical body, optimize nutrition, balance hormones, and provide breastfeeding support and possibly guidance on vaccinations.
It is also important that postpartum depression is screened for and addressed promptly, as this is one of the most common postpartum challenges. At least 1 in 8 women suffer with postpartum depression.
The postpartum period generally comprises the 6-12 weeks after delivery, but it can last much longer. This period mimics menopause because there is a huge and sudden drop in both estrogen and progesterone. However, the saving grace is oxytocin, which is a hormone that fills you up with good, loving feelings and helps to quell the hormonal changes. Regardless of oxytocin, the postpartum period presents many challenges for new moms mentally, emotionally and physically.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a form of depression combined with more emotional changes, including crying, anger, withdrawal from loved ones, worrying, guilt or feeling disconnected.
These can all be normal feelings in the postpartum period, but when they last longer than 2 weeks and are more severe than average moodiness and fatigue, then postpartum depression must be looked into.
On the other hand, “baby blues” also occurs in many women, but it’s very short-term, only lasting for a few days after birth. Major risk factors for postpartum depression are previous mood disorder, stressful events before and/or during pregnancy, imbalanced hormones and loss of support network, especially if family isn’t available.
Treatment for postpartum depression
If you suspect postpartum depression, your Naturopathic Medical Doctor can investigate your thyroid, reproductive and stress hormones to understand the causative factors and imbalances.
Once determined, it’s imperative to receive guidance from your entire network of providers to help you manage stress, emotions and supplementation to balance hormones and neurotransmitters that will support your mood.
Postpartum depression natural treatments include oral supplementation, at-home therapies and mindfulness-based practices as well as in-office therapies such a nutritional intravenous therapy to rebalance your body so that you can be the mom you desire to be for your newborn!
A Naturophatic Medical Doctor can also begin assessment of baby right from the get-go by discussing growth, development and providing a holistic approach to common treatments for conditions such as colic, skin rashes and eczema, ear infections and teething concerns.
Dr. Alioto can guide you through the newborn days as well as provide medical support for your child throughout growth, development and beyond.
