Postpartum Depression

What's the big deal anyway?

 

You may not realize it, but postpartum depression is a reality for 10-15% of new moms. That’s why it’s a big deal.

For new mothers, the “baby blues” are totally normal, but if the symptoms remain after a few weeks or get worse, you may be dealing with postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can interfere with your ability to take care of yourself and your baby, so it’s important to get help right away. Because who wants to miss out on the many joys of motherhood?

Is it just the “baby blues”? Or is it postpartum depression?

If you’re a new mom, you might wonder how you can love your baby so much and still feel so blue. You’ve just given birth to a beautiful baby and everyone is joyful and excited – except you.

It’s important to know you’re not alone. The majority of women experience some degree of the “baby blues.” This is normal and a natural reaction that usually begins a few days after delivery. If you have the blues, you might feel anxious, weepy, irritable or moody. Many women also report difficulty sleeping.

Usually some rest and help with the baby and day-to-day tasks is enough to help a new mom feel better. But if the blues remain for more than two weeks, continue reading.

If you’re concerned, talk to your health care provider. Your health care provider will be able to diagnose your symptoms and refer you to a counselor. If you think you might hurt yourself or your baby, seek professional help immediately.

What causes postpartum depression?

Research shows there’s no single cause but rather a combination of hormonal, psychological, biochemical and genetic factors.

Some women are more likely than others to suffer from postpartum depression. Some risk factors include:

·         History of depression or anxiety

·         Family history of depression or anxiety

·         Marital difficulties

·         Financial difficulties

·         Low self esteem

·         Inadequate support

·         Stressful life events

·         Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

What can I do to help myself?

-          Get some rest. This can significantly help. Taking care of a newborn 24/7 can leave a new mom exhausted. If you don’t have family available to help, consider hiring a postpartum doula. This can greatly enhance your postpartum experience.

-          Spend time outdoors. Even if all you can manage is a few minutes each day. Those few minutes can make a world of difference.

-          Take care of yourself. Eat well and make sure your basic needs are met.

-          Don’t expect too much of yourself. This seems to be a problem in our society. Remember, your priorities are to take care of yourself and your baby. Hose keeping can wait, laundry can wait, and thank-you cards can certainly wait. Enjoy your baby moon!

-          Find the support you need. Whether that’s sharing your feelings with your mother or a trusted friend, or joining a mother’s group.

Contact these organizations for more information:

Postpartum Support International

Support Helpline: 800-944-4PPD (4773)

PPD Moms

1-800-PPD-MOMS

Last but not least, check out placenta encapsulation and the benefits it offers throughout postpartum transition. You can read more about it here: http://oasisdoulaservices.blogspot.com/2014/09/placenta-encapsulation.html?m=1



The Power of a Birth Plan

What is a birth plan? And do I really need one?

In the words of Jen McLellan, "The power of a birth plan isn't the actual plan, it's the process of becoming educated about your options!"

Writing a birth plan is a great way to explore your options and express your intentions for how you envision the birth of your baby. It's not meant to give you unrealistic expectations, but rather to communicate with your birth team what your hopes and desires are surrounding the birth of your baby.

It's important to think about issues and questions that may arise during labor. A laboring woman is vulnerable and that can make decision making very difficult.

When writing your birth plan consider the following:

• Midwives and doctors are busy and don't want to read a three page essay. Keep your birth plan short and concise.
• Be clear about your wishes
• Don't expect everything to go just as you've written it down. Birth is unpredictable. Expect the unexpected and know your plans can go out the window in the event of an emergency.
• Give alternatives for such emergencies
• Write a cesarean birth plan on a separate page. Although this isn't the birth outcome you're probably hoping for, it's good to have in case of emergency.

If you've hired a doula for the birth of your baby, talk to her about birth plans. She will probably have a few good ideas and tips to help you out, and may even assist you in writing it.

Remember, "If you don't know your options, you don't have any!" - D. Korte

Placenta Encapsulation

Are you pregnant and thinking about having your placenta encapsulated?

First of all, let's discuss what placenta encapsulation really is.

 

Placenta encapsulation is simply the act of gently cleaning the placenta, cutting it into strips, dehydrating it, grinding it into powder and then putting it into capsules.

 

Your next questions is probably: "How can taking placenta pills enhance my postpartum experience?"

 

Placenta capsules are used to help:

• balance your hormones
• prevent the "baby blues" and postpartum depression
• increase energy
• combat fatigue
• replenish depleted iron
• shorten postpartum bleeding
• increase milk supply 

 

 

For many people, the idea of ingesting their own placenta is enough to make their stomach churn. But why is this? I believe if we were more educated on the benefits, more people would seek out this option and women would experience easier postpartum transitions. Other cultures and mammals are doing it - what have you got to lose?

 

Coming from Megan, mom of three, "I'd much rather have the capsules and not need them, instead of deciding not to do it, and end up regretting my decision later."

 

If you think about it, what new mom wouldn't want their postpartum experience enhanced?

 

Are you in the Tampa Bay area? Oasis Doula Services is now offering placenta encapsulation! Contact us today and visit www.oasisdoula.com to see all the services offered!