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Postpartum Depression Quiz

Commonly known as postnatal depression, postpartum depression (PPD) mostly affects women. Although men are also at risk, very few are affected. This type of depression usually affects most women soon after giving birth. Men usually affected are first time fathers who experience the “shock’ of being fathers.

Postpartum depression symptoms are not only many but also varied. A feeling of sadness and hopelessness usually sets in. This is usually when a mother is in most cases alone with her child. This can worsen into low self-esteem where a woman develops a feeling of being worthless. First time mothers can develop a feeling of guilt for no apparent reason. Sleep and eating disorders also become very common. Other symptoms include a feeling of emptiness, low libido exhaustion, frustration and in serious cases impaired speech and writing. Men can also experience some of the symptoms with the most common being low libido, a feeling of rejection as the mother pays a lot of attention to her child.

Postpartum depression usually sets in soon or a few months after a mother has given birth. Most women can have the condition for up to a year after giving birth. This type of depression has been found to affect women who have a history of depression, those who smoke cigarettes, those in poor marriage relationships and those who feed their babies on baby formulas instead of breastfeeding. Poverty and unplanned pregnancies are also major causes of the condition. Although a mother’s health is usually in danger that of the baby is usually worse. This is because an affected mother will not take care of her child in the most desired way.

Apart from the above factors, there are also other factors that can contribute to the development of postpartum depression. The period prior to delivery is usually critical. A mother who does not stick to appropriate diet, is in a stressful relationship or is poor stands a high risk of developing postpartum depression after giving birth.

Although there are various treatment methods available, diagnosing the cause is usually vey important. Treatment methods available in most cases are methods that aim at mitigating the cause, which is then addressed. Treatment methods include support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, healthy sleep patterns, healthy diet plans and in rare cases medications.

Because of the risks to the baby, women are usually encouraged to attend pre-natal clinics where the risk of postpartum depression can be noticed in good time and addressed. Women in particular need to pay attention to their diet as one way of preventing the condition. Pregnant women must ensure that their diets are rich in Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Proper hydration is also very necessary.

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