POST-NATAL DEPRESSION

In today’s busy world, giving birth can be treated like having a tooth pulled - in and out with some pain and the mother is expected to bounce back to normal, as if nothing had happened.

Having a baby puts great strain on a woman’s physical well-being and many times, if she does not look after herself, it can be a leading cause of many and varied disorders. It is very necessary to rest after having giving birth and to build up one’s endocrine system with good food and, if necessary, herbal remedies.

Many women feel despondency after the birth of a child. Post-natal depression is most common within days of the birth, but usually lasts only a few days. But for some women, these feelings of depression last many months after the birth.

Exhaustion from the birth, fluctuating hormones and coping with the new situation all contribute to post-natal depression. Fluctuating hormones cause mood changes, while physical exhaustion can cause a psychological low that lasts for days or many weeks. The impact of intense emotions surrounding childbirth should not be underestimated or ignored.

Exhaustion and depression can lead to insomnia and even panic attacks in some individuals. Often post-natal depression is treated with anti-depressants, which may help the depression but do little for the exhaustion.

It is important that the mother, who may be too overwhelmed to prepare adequate meals herself, receive nourishing and appetising meals to rebuild her strength e.g. plain, natural yogurt with cashews or almonds: the calcium and magnesium help calm the nerves. Oatmeal porridge will strengthen and soothe the nerves due to its B-vitamins and fatty acids. Drinking plenty of liquids is essential to facilitate breast-feeding, which is also the best adjunct therapy for post-natal depression. Breast-feeding helps normalise hormonal swings by increasing the endorphin level and allowing the body to regain hormone balance slowly and evenly. It also helps new mothers bond with their children.

Although all nutrients are important, the B-vitamins are essential for relieving stress and depression. Royal jelly and bee pollen are excellent for providing the body with energy.

A number of herbal remedies will help relieve fatigue and post-natal depression. A herb with good results in lifting the mood and helping strengthen the body is Rhodiola root, which was discovered by the Russians to increase the body’s resistance to stress and to increase serotonin levels by 30 per cent, this lifting the mood.

Ginseng is a herb with very important effects on a weakened endocrine system with resulting fatigue and exhaustion. Taking Ginseng along with other herbs to soothe and calm the nervous system - like Rhodiola or Passionflower - along with herbs to feed the body like nettle, wheat or barley grass, will give excellent results in post-natal depression and fatigue.

Taking these remedies will help the mother overcome the effects of post-natal depression while giving her the strength to carry on with her life. It’s important to build one’s strength before becoming pregnant again, as another pregnancy and birth will further weaken her endocrine system, leading to more depression and exhaustion.

It is also important to get plenty of restful sleep and a good balance of exercise and relaxation to help normalise body functions.