Bastyr University hosts a natural medicine blog on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer website providing healthy lifestyle tips from our expert faculty practitioners. A wide variety of subjects are covered.
Baby blues or postpartum depression - Janelle Doolittle, ND
It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience sadness after childbirth. Up to 80 percent can experience "baby blues" -- transient mood swings that do not impair functioning and last no more than 10 days postpartum.
An estimated 10 percent can experience a more severe form of emotional distress, known as postpartum depression, the signs and symptoms of which are the same as those for clinical depression but occur within four weeks of delivery.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression: loss of appetite, insomnia, intense irritability and anger, overwhelming fatigue, loss of interest in sex, feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy, lack of joy in life, severe mood swings, difficulty bonding with baby, withdrawal from family and friends, thoughts of harm to self or baby.
Although rare, it is important to watch for postpartum psychosis, which consists of confusion and disorientation, hallucinations and delusions, paranoia, and attempts to harm self or baby. While there is no single cause of postpartum depression, the hormonal and emotional changes a mother experiences, as well as lifestyle changes for the whole family, can contribute to depression.
Naturopathic treatments for postpartum depression: 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, sleep when the baby sleeps, assemble a support team who can help with household tasks, counseling, assess and support hormone deficiencies (progesterone, thyroid, estrogen), supplement vitamin D for low levels, use omega-3 fatty acids and massage therapy.
It is important to consult a physician if symptoms of depression do not dissipate after a few weeks or if they interfere with completion of everyday tasks. If you are interested in seeking naturopathic care, you can find a physician using the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Web site at naturopathic.org.
- Janelle Doolittle, ND, naturopathic physician and resident at Bastyr Center for Natural Health
