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Postpartum Depression Facts And Treatment Options

New moms get better tools to beat their Postpartum Depression

By Dr. Thomas Polucki

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 1.3 million new and expectant mothers every year. This mood-lowering disorder is triggered by chemical and hormonal changes in the new mother’s body and brain.Polucki - Depression

“Postpartum depression is a major public health problem which not only adversely affects the well-being of mothers but also the well-being of their children, their families and the community,” said Dr. Shoshana Bennett, the noted psychologist and maternal mental health expert, author of “Postpartum Depression for Dummies” and co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression.”

Dr. Shosh (as she is known to her clients) notes that PPD also affects 50 percent of new fathers whose wives are experiencing PPD.

“With both women and men susceptible to PPD, it’s easy to see the ripple effect as these depressive conditions spread into the workplace and society,” she said.

The “baby blues,” the mild mood swings which affect 80 percent of new mothers, occur in the first weeks after birth and are considered normal and not a mood disorder.

Here are some of the more serious postpartum syndromes, and what to watch for:

  • 15 Percent of New Mothers are Affected by Postpartum Depression
    The mother’s mood is mostly down, gloomy and hopeless. She feels guilty and has low self-esteem.
  • 10 Percent of New Mothers are Affected by Postpartum Panic Disorder
    The new mother experiences extreme anxiety and waves of irrational, uncontrollable fear.
  • 9 Percent of New Mothers are Affected by Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    Often mistaken for psychosis, these mothers go to extremes to ensure they do not carry out the persistent thoughts they have about hurting or killing their baby, such as throwing away kitchen knives.
  • 6 Percent of New Mothers are Affected by Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    When the birthing process is complicated and turns into a medical emergency, symptoms may include recurrent nightmares, extreme anxiety or reliving past traumatic events.
  • Postpartum Psychosis Affects 0.2 Percent of New Mothers
    Women who would harm or kill their babies are not depressed. They suffer from a dangerous psychosis that should be treated as a medical emergency. Appearing rational one minute, then highly irrational the next, they hallucinate, often hearing messages about needing to kill the baby or themselves. Such a case requires immediate treatment and supervision.

RELATED: Read more Dr. Polucki Family Health Hour news articles on KHTS’s website

Whatever disturbing or distressing symptoms a new mother is experiencing, she needs to be reassured those symptoms are totally treatable and there is no reason to be ashamed or afraid to ask for professional help.

New moms should look for a therapist who has experience in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Ask if the therapist has had specific training to treat these disorders, and make sure the therapist belongs to at least one professional association dedicated to education about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Postpartum Depression Treatment Options

  • Psychotherapy – will bring the new mother’s thoughts and emotions out in the open where they can be expressed and changed. Key relationships are also explored.
  • Medications – Certain medications work better than others depending on the woman’s individual chemistry. Proper medication along with psychotherapy should have her feeling 100 percent “back to herself.”
  • Complementary and Alternative Therapies – Magnetic stimulation and acupuncture both show promise in treatment of depression. Morning “bright light therapy” (natural sunlight or special light boxes) is already being used as an alternative to medication. Exciting studies have been published about the effectiveness of the omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in both the prevention and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety.
  • Basic Wellness Strategy – Proper treatment includes a wellness strategy consisting of certain key components crucial for any new mother, including exercise, nutrition, night-time sleep, emotional support and physical support including chiropractic care.

There is a growing consensus in the scientific community that inflammation strongly influences depression. Find out more about the inflammation-depression connection HERE with helpful tips on reducing inflammation the SANE way – Simply, Afford-ably, Naturally and Effectively.

If you, a friend, or a family member requires chiropractic care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family both presently and into the future.

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About Santa Clarita Chiropractor Dr. Thomas Polucki

Dr. Thomas Polucki is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and Certified Upper Cervical Chiropractor.

Dr. Polucki provides Functional Medicine services in most cities via remote labs and Internet consultations. He sees patients by appointment at 25050 Peachland Ave., Suite 105, Newhall, Calif., 91321. Visit http://www.drpolucki.com for more information or call 661-753-9340 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Polucki also hosts the “Dr. Polucki Family Health Hour” on AM 1220 KHTS radio in Santa Clarita
Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Click here to listen to the podcasts.

The information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.

Postpartum Depression Facts And Treatment Options

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