The specialists at Mama Lounge of San Francisco are not only trained and knowledgeable in the areas of fertility and pregnancy, but the period following childbirth known as postpartum. Founder of Mama Lounge, Amy Gordon, recognized a need for a greater focus on this period and the complications that can arise within it when she began the company. One of the most prevalent disorders associated with post-childbearing is known as postpartum depression. This is a state that can occur at any point in the 18 months (give or take) following the birth of your baby. It’s not difficult to figure out why this dark time rears it’s ugly head. And boy, can it be ugly! Women’s bodies become very depleted from the loss of blood and fluids following labor, added to little rest, lots of breastfeeding, wildly fluctuating hormones, isolation, and the enormity of the life-change, it becomes the perfect storm for an emotional upheaval. And it’s hard to know where to go. It’s inherent to depression to isolate, become self-conscious, and lack the overall spark and energy needed to get help. It’s good to remember that the body goes through many hormonal changes postpartum, just as it did during pregnancy, that can cause emotional ups and downs that can become severe in some cases. Getting balancing treatments, supplements, and talking to people are the very best medicine for this difficult time.
It’s important for new and soon-to-be mothers, as well as their friends and family to recognize and understand the possibility and symptoms of postpartum depression in order to provide support and seek treatment if necessary. Before self-diagnosing yourself or anyone else with the disorder, however, it’s also important to know the difference between the short-term “baby blues” and the longer lasting symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of “Baby Blues” (usually subside after 2-3 weeks)
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Overly emotional
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression (may occur any time during the first 18 months)
- Insomnia
- Severe mood swings
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessness
- Lack of interest in activities
- Trouble bonding with baby, not wanting to be alone with baby
- Loss of energy
- Loss of libido
- Thyroid conditions
Treatment
It’s important to talk to everyone that you can, right away if you are experiencing postpartum depression symptoms. Studies have shown that talk therapy is the most effective form of treatment followed by consistent care and monitoring from a caregiver, girlfriend, midwife, acupuncturist. All of these being equally or more effective than meds which many mothers choose to forego while breastfeeding.
Mama Lounge offers a variety of services to support this very challenging postpartum period.
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to naturally treat symptoms of depression as it helps to relieve physical, mental, and emotional stress and promote relaxation. Because one of the purposes of acupuncture is to correct chemical imbalances within the body, this practice can help to restore hormonal balance in a shorter period of time. A good acupuncture session will include diet assessment, improve sleep, and balance the endocrine system. It can also help balance the thyroid which is often responsible for postpartum havoc.
Postpartum Massage can be just as important as massage during pregnancy. Massage has many postpartum benefits ranging from relief of back pain, tendonitis, and depression after childbirth. In addition, massage can ease fatigue, promote relaxation, and help with sleep difficulty…a significant factor that may contribute to the onset and severity of postpartum depression.
These are both excellent treatments for ANY new mom.
If you’re in the San Francisco area and feel that you could benefit from these services, contact us to learn more and to set up an appointment!
