How to Cope With Post-Natal Depression

Post-natal depression--or depression after the birth of a child--is a challenging condition to deal with since it usually takes the intervention of another person to actually step in and get help for the mother. The mother is usually unsure of what is happening and cannot put her finger on what is wrong. She is filled with mixed feelings of joy for the birth of a new child, incredible protection instincts, guilt for not being a happy mother, dissatisfaction with her body or discomfort from lack of sleep. The results can be devastating both to the mother and child if post-natal depression is not dealt with properly.

Instructions

• 1

  Notice the problem and voice it to someone who can help you. Several organizations, including Maternity Care Coalition (momobile.org/resources.html) can offer you the help you need. Ask yourself if you are spending more time fighting negative thoughts than you are enjoying motherhood and realize you are not alone and there are a lot of people going through the same things as you.

• 2

  Ask for help with your daily routine. This does not just mean from your spouse but also from local churches, your pediatrician, your mother and your family. Swallow your pride and realize that for the health of your child and yourself, you need to make some changes to help bring happiness back into your home. Most likely, you would be glad to help your friends, so let them help you until you are back on your feet.

• 3

  Eat nutritious foods to care for your own body. During your pregnancy, you probably took prenatal vitamins and should continue to do so after the birth of your child. If you are nursing, your baby is taking nutrition from you and the extra vitamins will help both of you. Make sure you are eating fresh food as often as possible and eat extra, but not junk food. Your caloric intake should be higher than before pregnancy.

• 4

  Sleep whenever your baby sleeps. Get rid of the notion that you can only sleep at night and that naps are for children. Since your baby will not sleep through the night for many months, you need to learn the art of napping during the day. Always make sure your baby is safe in her crib and then stretch out flat and sleep. Don't drink extra caffeine or the rebound will make you even more tired. Work your day around the schedule of your baby until he is old enough to sleep through the night. Even after that, you might find that you still need to nap a little in the afternoon.

• 5

  Educate yourself about the changes your body is going through. A good place to start is "Women's Health: Depression During and After Pregnancy" (womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm#g). Read books from the library that will help you understand why you are not feeling right and what you can do. These books include "The Emotional You: Postpartum Adjustment" by Jane Honikman and Nancy Lee, 1987, "Helping a Mother Through Postpartum Depression: For Fathers, Families and Friends" by Robert G. Logan, M.D., 1989, or "I'm Listening" by Jane Honikman.