How Mental Health is affected after delivering a child...the Postpartum Period

The postpartum period is a demanding few weeks after childhood where the mother’s body adjusts to the major physical, hormonal and emotional changes that come with being a new mother. There are a plethora of possible mental health conditions that may affect someone during this period, one of these is called postnatal depression. Postnatal depression affects more than 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth and can last for months or more if left untreated. Some symptoms include extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, mood swings and other symptoms that overlap with depression.

 Postnatal depression is at its core a more severe and long lasting version of postpartum blues, commonly referred to as “baby blues”. “Baby blues” is an extremely common side effect of childbirth, with up to 80% of women experiencing this postpartum. The difference is that baby blues are often resolved within 2 weeks of childbirth, and are mainly caused by large hormonal shifts caused by childbirth. It can be managed by support from family, friends and rest. Some more rare conditions include postpartum OCD, which affects 3-5% of new mothers  and postpartum anxiety which is estimated to affect around 10% of new mothers. 

Early intervention when symptoms are experienced is crucial for a mother’s mental health as untreated mental health conditions in the mother can heavily impact the child’s development and the mother’s long-term wellbeing. Education and raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of postpartum mental health conditions is vital, as childbirth is seen as a very common thing that a women experiences, hence serious mental health issues associated with it are hardly addressed or known of, increasing the stigma around postpartum mental health and putting even more pressure on new mothers. It is undeniable that support from family and friends, whether it is through assisting with household chores or just encouraging open conversation without judgement, is a critical aspect of maternal and child health. 

Especially in India, the needs of a mother arent acknowledged at all. The mother is judged, when takes some time apart for herself, for being selfish. Such assumptions and judgements make the mental health of a mother worse. 

Many new moms find it difficult to get the rest they need after giving birth. Sleep deprivation can lead to body pain and exhaustion, which may also contribute to the symptoms of postpartum depression. .

Major life changes, lack of support, and stress related to adjusting to parenthood can be significant factors. Complications during childbirth, such as preeclampsia or cesarean delivery, can impact recovery and contribute to feelings of depression.

The demands of caring for a newborn often lead to significant sleep disruption, which can affect mental health.Limited support from family, friends, or healthcare professionals can exacerbate feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

There are several factors due to which a mother struggles. All of these in combination lead to bad mental health, causing self hatred, no will to work and no motivation in general. Hormonal fluctuations after childbirth, genetic predispositions, and pre-existing mental health issues can significantly influence the likelihood of developing  disorders like PPD(Post Partum Depression). Additionally, stress from major life changes, such as the transition to parenthood, compounded by sleep deprivation and physical health challenges, further contributes to the risk. The availability and quality of support systems, including family, friends, and healthcare providers, play a crucial role in either mitigating or exacerbating these effects.

Understanding these diverse factors is essential for effectively addressing PPD. A comprehensive approach that includes medical intervention, psychological support, and social resources is crucial in managing and alleviating the symptoms of postpartum depression. By recognizing and addressing these contributing factors, we can better support individuals in their recovery journey and improve maternal mental health outcomes. Enhanced awareness, early intervention, and tailored support can significantly help in reducing the impact of PPD and fostering a healthier transition into motherhood.

-Aarna and Anaya Thakkar