Postpartum Blues: Getting the Support and Understanding You Need
Postpartum depression (PPD) is known by several different names, including Baby Blues, Post-natal depression, and even ‘Meroyan’ in Bahasa Malaysia. All these terms describe the same thing; the negative emotional and mental experiences that some women have after giving birth.
Post-natal depression affects up to one in three women in Malaysia and usually occurs within one to twelve months after giving birth. The presence of modern post-natal healthcare facilities like confinement centers means that there is more emotional support for mothers, as they are less hectic than a hospital and have more trained staff and time to spare.
For the longest time, PPD has been seen as a taboo subject. Even today, most mothers don’t talk about it and suffer in silence. Due to the lack of awareness, many mothers don’t even know what they’re going through is actually PPD.
What Does PPD feel like?
No two mothers going through PPD have the same experience. However, these are common symptoms that can occur:
- A persistent depressed mood that doesn’t get better even after several months
- The feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
- Mood swings
- Irritability and anger which is more than usual
- Lack of energy and motivation to do anything
- Difficulty in sleeping, leading to extreme fatigue during the day
- Cutting off contact from friends and family, isolating oneself
- Deep anxiety and fear over the future
- Suicidal thoughts
- Crying and breaking down
- Difficulty bonding with your newborn child
- Lack of concentration and inability to make decisions
- No longer interested in activities you previously found fun and entertaining
The first few weeks of motherhood can be challenging for everyone, with little sleep and the need to give constant attention to your child. It’s normal to feel worn down emotionally and this usually gets better after one or two weeks. Of course, modern arrangements like confinement centers can help ease this burden by taking on some of your tasks and giving you some breathing room and ‘me’ time. These tumultuous first two weeks are often called Postpartum Blues, and they’re different from PPD.
What’s the difference between PPD and Postpartum Blues?
Due to the rapidly changing hormone levels in women directly after giving birth, the first week or two can be filled with symptoms like mood swings, sleep issues, crying spells, anxiety, and periods of unexplained sadness.
However, Postpartum Blues will clear up within a week or two after birth. On the other hand, PPD lasts longer and doesn’t seem to get better with time.
Is there anything I can do?
If you suspect that you’re having PPD, the first thing to do is not blame yourself and not feel embarrassed. Next, speak to a trusted family member or friend about what you’re going through. It’s important to speak to a person who is non-judgmental and very supportive.
Next, set up an appointment with your primary healthcare provider, which in this case would be your Gynecologist. He or she would be able to provide you with options for professional care, like recommending a counselor.
If you are religious, you may also want to reach out to your local priest, pastor, spiritual leader, or the like. Research has shown that practicing faith-based activities such as praying and reading religious texts helps with depression of any kind.
Here at Mummy Mansion, we’re here for you no matter what you’re going through. We have a dedicated crew of staff that will provide a warm, loving and understanding environment for you to spend your new days of motherhood in the utmost comfort. Drop us a line to book your place with us and our friendly staff will attend to you in a jiffy.