What Is Postpartum After Pregnancy

How Long Is The Postpartum Period

The postpartum period, also known as puerperium or the fourth trimester, typically lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.

It could go on until 6 to 12 months after delivery in some cases. But just as womens prepartum experiences vary, you can expect the postpartum journey to also look different from mom to mom.

Signs Of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression affects between 10% and 15% of new moms in Canada.6 The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression closely match the symptoms of major depressive disorder, and can include:

• Feeling depressed

• Feeling tired all the time

• Feeling guilt

• Disinterest in usual activities2

• Not bonding with the new baby4

• Change in sleep

• Change in appetite

• Trouble concentrating or remembering details

• Thoughts of suicide*

Theres a third, very rare type of postpartum psychiatric illness called postpartum psychosis this only affects one or two women out of 1,000 new mothers.2Its unlikely that new moms will develop postpartum psychosis, especially if you dont have a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorderwith which it shares similarities.2

What Is The Postpartum Period

18 October, 2017

The postpartum period is understood as the 40 days following childbirth. Some believe the recovery time that a woman must go through to return to normality lasts a little longer. This period, also known as quarantine, is a crucial stage of changes in the female body. Postpartum is our topic of discussion today.

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Milksta Mommas Best Takeaways

Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for and cope better with your postpartum period. It can also help you anticipate when you need to seek medical help.

If you find that youre bleeding too much or if youre having abdominal pains that dont feel at all normal, then you need to immediately contact your doctornot just for you but also for your nursing baby.

Being close to your baby during your recovery is also a big help. Breastfeeding could actually speed up your healing processes, including the shrinking of your uterus back to its normal size and reducing postpartum bleeding.

This is one of the reasons why the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiativeencourages new moms to breastfeed their babies as soon as theyre able. And of course, no matter what your worries are , rest assured that our community of Milksta Mommas is always here to support you!

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This mom-powering piece is curated by multiple contributors: Lian Delos Reyes, founder & CEO of Milksta, and research & content specialists Rowena Taylor-Rivero and Rose Jane dela Cruz.

Postpartum Depression Is Different From The Baby Blues

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of baby blues, a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to symptoms of depression, but may also include:

• Crying more often than usual.
• Feelings of anger.
• Feeling distant from your baby.
• Worrying or feeling overly anxious.
• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby.
• Doubting your ability to care for your baby.

If you think you have depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible.

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Can You Take Depression Medicine While Pregnant

Are antidepressants an option during pregnancy? Yes. A decision to use antidepressants during pregnancy, in addition to counseling, is based on the balance between risks and benefits. The biggest concern is typically the risk of birth defects from exposure to antidepressants.

For several females, these feelings vanish swiftly, normally 10 days after distribution, as well as may belong to a typical experience called the Infant Blues. But, when these sensations stick around or worsen, a woman may have what is called Postpartum Depression. This condition should be dealt with just what is postpartum depression and why does it require treatment as you would any kind of various other illness by seeking assistance from a doctor or a qualified psychological health care carrier. Postpartum depression can happen a couple of days or perhaps months after childbirth. PPD can occur after the birth of any type of kid, not just the initial child.

Icipating In Clinical Research

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials uncovered years ago. Be part of tomorrows medical breakthroughs. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you.

For more information about clinical research and how to find clinical trials being conducted around the country, visit NIMH’s clinical trials information webpage.

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Are Some Women More At Risk Of Postpartum Depression

Yes. You may be more at risk of postpartum depression if you:3

• Have a personal history of depression or bipolar disorder
• Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder
• Do not have support from family and friends
• Were depressed during pregnancy

• Lose your appetite
• Have trouble sleeping

The baby blues usually go away in 3 to 5 days after they start. The symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe. Postpartum depression usually begins within the first month after childbirth, but it can begin during pregnancy or for up to a year after birth.5

Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor or nurse.

Dads Get Postpartum Depression Too

New research is finding that postpartum depression may affect up to one-quarter of dads, yet it goes unnoticed. A recent study reviewed the latest research to better explain how it affects men.

The researchers found that some men are more likely to develop postpartum depression. The risk factors include:

• A history of depression or anxiety.
• Having a partner who has a mood disorder.
• Lack of social support.
• Age older men are more likely to be affected.

Men suffer from the same symptom of postpartum depression as women. However, it may not be as obvious as men are more likely to conceal their feelings. Additionally, postpartum depression in men may also start later, often after his partner already has it.

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Postpartum Dia Diapers: A Simple And Comfortable Option For The Heavy Bleeding

You want the most convenient option to handle the heavy bleeding, because of the pain and fatigue that comes with it. Postpartum diapers are easy to handle, unlike having to stick a pad under your underwear, according to the author. You dispose of the whole thing and replace it with a fresh diaper whenever you need it.

Maternity diapers are soft and comfy, and give you peace of mind. No more fear of leaks. They absorb well even with the water.

You can focus on caring for your newborn. One mom on Baby Center Community said that maternity diapers are small enough to wear underwear over them, yet wide enough in the crotch to add padsicles or extra pads. Mother Rising says you will need less than 20 diapers.

You can save up to 12 packs of adult diapers for the next baby. Unless you are too grossed out to pull the diaper with the discharge back on, you don’t need to change a diaper every time you pee. The absorbent quality of the diapers makes them safe from melting and leaking.

Reusing your maternity diaper until it gets dirty will allow you to replace melted padsicles. You can use disposable or reuse icepacks. Postpartum diapers are the best for vaginal delivery.

Cause Of Bleeding After Birth

Lochia, after birth vaginal discharge, comes in three forms: lochia rubra, lochia serosa, and lochia alba. Typically, you will experience heavy bleeding the first few days after both vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. This is a great time to use the large maternity pads your birthing center or hospital provides. Some women prefer disposable underwear as opposed to large underwear plus a large pad. Disposable underwear may also help protect clothes more from possible leakage. Once you are discharged home, you can use regular menstrual pads .

This bloody discharge will begin to get lighter and taper off as the days go by. Postpartum Bleeding can last up to six weeks. If you have a cesarean birth, you usually experience less lochia. Many c-section patients only experience vaginal bleeding for the first two to three weeks in their postpartum recovery.

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What Causes Postpartum Thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroid is caused by antithyroid antibodies attacking the thyroid. This attack causes the thyroid to become inflamed.

It is not known why the antibodies attack the thyroid. However, it is believed that women who develop the condition may have had an underlying autoimmune thyroid condition, without symptoms.

Treatments & When To Seek Help

The baby blues should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as they can be early warning signs of developing postpartum depression or another mood disorder. Additionally, new moms should do their best to focus on caring for themselves to help get through what can often be a difficult time:8

• Get more sleepsleep when the baby sleeps, and more often than that if possible

• Eat healthfully

• Exercise when possibleeven a walk can help

• Ask for helpfrom your partner, from your family, and from your friends

• Focus only on caring for yourself and your babythe rest will still be there later

Postpartum depression, however, does require medical intervention since it is a psychological condition. All of the above still apply, though additional help is available and may be appropriate, depending on your symptomology:

Some online resourcesand perhaps friends and familysuggest that massage therapy, light therapy, acupuncture, and omega-3 supplements may help, but theres no conclusive proof that any of these are medically effective in managing symptoms.10

If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks without any sign of improvementand you havent yet been formally diagnosed with postpartum depressionstart talking to your doctor about your symptoms and which treatment options may be right for you.

*If at any time you have thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or infant harm, dont waitseek medical help immediately.

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Are There Natural Remedies For Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is serious and not something you should attempt to treat without a doctors input.

Along with medical treatment, natural remedies such as exercise and getting the right amount of sleep can help improve symptoms. Massage, meditation, and other mindfulness practices may help you feel better. Maintain a diet high in nutrients, but low in processed foods. If youre not getting the nutrients you need in your diet, ask your doctor to recommend the right dietary supplements.

Can Postpartum Depression Be Prevented

Here are some tips that can help prevent, or help you cope with postpartum depression:

• Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby.
• Limit visitors when you first go home.
• Ask for help let others know how they can help you.
• Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
• Exercise take a walk and get out of the house for a break.
• Screen your phone calls.
• Follow a sensible diet avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Keep in touch with your family and friends do not isolate yourself.
• Foster your relationship with your partner make time for each other.
• Expect some good days and some bad days.

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Expect Changes In Your Relationship

If you have a partner and this is your first baby, your focus may have shifted from being part of a couple to being parents. That’s a commonand wonderfulchange. But it can take some time to adjust. You and your partner may not have as much time or energy for each other for a while. But you also will get to know each other in new ways, as parents.

It is common to have little interest in sex for a while after childbirth. During the time when your body is recovering and your baby has many needs, you and your partner will need to be patient with one another. Talking together is a good way to deal with the changes in your sexuality after childbirth.

Can Ppd Be Prevented

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says that certain kinds of counseling can prevent perinatal depression for women at increased risk of depression. Counseling is when you talk about your feelings and concerns with a counselor or therapist. This person helps you understand your feelings, solve problems and cope with things in your everyday life.

The Task Force recommends counseling for women with one or more of these risk factors:

• Current signs and symptoms of depression
• A history of depression or other mental health condition
• Being pregnant as a teenager or being a single mom
• Having stressful life circumstances, like low income
• Being a victim of IPV

The Task Force recommends two kinds of counseling to prevent PPD for women at increased risk:

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Bellefit Corset Thong: Say Good

Bellefit Corset Thong

The corset thong offers a lot of versatility in a simple design it has adjustable straps that you can wear classic, cross-back, or strapless.

It features the Bellefit front and back panel design for maximum, safe compression benefits to the belly, hips, and lower back for a flattering silhouette. It’s a favorite style among moms who are looking for a high-grade postpartum compression garment to wear under form-fitting outfits for a flawless physique and zero traces of a panty line.

Signs Of The Baby Blues

Between 50% and 85% of new moms2 will experience the baby blues shortly after the birth of their little one, particularly with the sleep deprivation that comes with the demands of a newborn.

Most often the symptoms of the baby blues are mild, but they still put a damper on daily life with your new baby. Signs of baby blues can include:

• Irritability and moodiness2

• Crying easily and often5

Its important to know that the baby blues are common and normal. The above symptoms typically peak around four or five days after giving birth, lasting for a few hours to a few days at a time, and subside within two weeks of birth.2

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What You Need To Know About Postpartum Depression

Theres no doubt that having a baby is a life-changing experience. Almost every mom faces a bout of the baby blues due to a roller coaster of hormones, lack of sleep and the struggle to adjust to that tiny new human at home. That said, if you have symptoms of postpartum depression including feeling persistently hopeless, sad, isolated, irritable, worthless or anxious for more than two weeks postpartum, talk to your doctor.

Dont feel ashamed or alone: Postpartum depression is not your fault, and it affects up to an estimated 1 in 4 new moms. The only way to feel better so you can care for yourself and your baby is to talk to a professional who can help.

The postpartum period is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. But by following these tips, doing your best to take care of yourself while you’re taking care of your baby, and being patient, you’ll get through it and recover fully. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to enjoy this special stage with your new baby. It will go faster than you think!

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Ppd

You may have PPD if you have five or more signs or symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks. Signs of a condition are things someone else can see or know about you, like you have a rash or youre coughing. Symptoms are things you feel yourself that others cant see, like having a sore throat or feeling dizzy. Signs and symptoms of PPD include:

Changes in your feelings:

Changes in your everyday life:

• Having little interest in things you normally like to do
• Feeling tired all the time
• Eating a lot more or a lot less than is normal for you
• Gaining or losing weight
• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Having trouble concentrating or making decisions

Changes in how you think about yourself or your baby:

• Having trouble bonding with your baby
• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
• Thinking about suicide

If you think you have signs or symptoms of PPD, call your health care provider right away. There are things you and your provider can do to help you feel better. If youre worried about hurting yourself or your baby, call emergency services at 911.

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