Postpartum depression is a form of depression that women can experience after giving birth to a child, although it may also occur after having a miscarriage or experiencing a stillbirth. This type of depression can range in severity, with the depression being mild in some women and severe in others. Postpartum depression treatment is vital for the well-being of the mother and her new child. Often, therapy will be used as treatment for this condition. Rest, medications and different types of hormonal therapy may also be used as postpartum depression treatment.
Generally, for many women, talking over their issues with a professional may be helpful when dealing with postpartum depression. For this reason, therapy or counseling sessions may be recommended as postpartum depression treatment. Even in the presence of close friends and family, a mother battling postpartum depression may still feel alone and as if she has no one to talk to. Under such circumstances, speaking to a neutral third party such as a therapist or a psychiatrist may allow the mother to express the thoughts and feelings that may be causing her depression.
Giving birth to a baby can leave a woman feeling overwhelmed for a variety of reasons. Following childbirth, many women find themselves short on sleep and therefore short of energy. Extreme tiredness may only make postpartum depression worse, therefore, rest can greatly benefit a woman with this condition. Rest may be obtained by taking an hour to catch up on sleep or acquiring a few moments to oneself to sit quietly. Catching up on rest will not only be beneficial to the body, but to a weary mind as well.
Postpartum depression treatment may also involve medications. In certain situations, an antidepressant may be prescribed. As with most types of depression, an antidepressant may be one of the most effective types of treatment for this condition. Doctors will generally be very selective about the type of antidepressant given to a new mother. Furthermore, additional steps may be taken to decide on the best and safest medicine for postpartum depression in mothers who are breast-feeding but need this type of treatment.
Hormonal treatment may also be necessary for some women. Sudden dramatic changes in hormones after delivery is thought to be one of the most common contributors to postpartum depression. To make such changes less traumatic on the body, doctors may administer different types of hormonal therapy. In many cases, hormonal therapy may involve replacing estrogen and other hormones which may sharply decline after giving birth.
Postpartum depression treatment may also include hospitalization if the mother is so severely depressed that she may harm herself, her child or someone else. In addition, joining a postpartum depression support group may also be very helpful. Lifestyle changes, such as taking part in postpartum exercises, eating healthy and eliminating additional stress factors, may also serve as postpartum depression treatment.
