FIR - Episode 471 - 27th June 2011

Confinement and Postpartum Depression: What Every Lady Should Know

lady

Postpartum depression is a very serious medical problem that sometimes needs medical attention to be fully remedied. There have been instances all over the world of depressed ladies in confinement who do unspeakable things. Some become frustrated and sleep deprived on top of the depression and injure or even murder their own babies while others simply pick up and leave their families behind. Every woman thinks that won't happen to them, but anyone can suffer from postpartum depression. It is possible for anyone!

Depression can literally turn every aspect of your life upside down. It can turn a formerly vibrant, glowing woman and turn her into a moody, sobbing emotional wreck with absolutely no interest in her husband, children, or even her newborn baby.

Since this is such a terrible medical condition that many families do not recognize until it is too late, every confinement lady and those who love her should know the signs of postpartum depression. Take this list of potential signs and hang them up somewhere in your home. Everyone who will be taking care of the confinement lady after the baby is born should be looking for any of these potential signs:

1. Unexplained mood swings 2. Waves of anger or hostility 3. Loss of appetite 4. Irritability 5. Feelings of guilt or sadness that cannot be relieved 6. Withdrawing from loved ones 7. Lack of interest in things that they used to love 8. Trouble relating to or caring about others 9. Lack of energy and motivation 10. Suicidal thoughts 11. Insomnia 12. Difficulty connecting with the baby

Many women will experience very minor bouts of depression right after the baby is born, but most will bounce back to their normal behavior once their hormones have evened out. It is when the depression lingers for a long time or becomes very deep that serious problems can emerge.

A confinement lady suffering from postpartum depression long term will have difficulty bonding with the new baby and that may interfere with their relationship long term. In severe cases where the bonding is never fully achieved the baby may have difficulty attaching to others, especially if they never attached to anyone during those early days of life.

Another serious risk is that a woman in confinement will become so depressed that she will harm herself or the baby. This can happen after a long period of depression or it can happen within a very short time of giving birth. If there is any suspicion that a confinement lady may be having suicidal thoughts or bouts of serious rage and anger, it is important to get her help right away. In some cases, hiring professional caregivers so the confinement lady is never alone with the baby may be necessary to protect them both.

In closing, it is important to take even minor cases of postpartum depression seriously. Do not blow off any of the signs of depression above thinking it is just normal for a woman in confinement. Depression should be treated seriously, especially if it doesn't go away within a month or so of having the baby.

If you think someone you love is suffering from depression or you are going through this yourself, it is important to seek medical attention. Doctors have remedies that can relieve the depression so she can bond with her baby and feel better.