Emotional State of Women After Childbirth

Psychological recovery after childbirth

The condition of a woman after childbirth is called the three-day blues, maternal sadness syndrome, or baby blues. Why does a woman cry after childbirth? This is related to hormonal and psychological changes. What exactly is postpartum depression? How quickly does psychological recovery after childbirth occur?

Why do you want to cry after childbirth?

During pregnancy, the body produces a large amount of progesterone and estrogen. They have a calming effect. After childbirth, their levels decrease to normal. Prolactin begins to be produced -; the hormone responsible for the production of breast milk. A woman’s mood after childbirth in the first week is like a roller coaster. Then hormone levels balance out. The condition becomes stable.

The situation may be the opposite. During natural childbirth, a large amount of oxytocin is released. A woman feels a surge of strength and energy in the first days after childbirth, ready to ‘move mountains’. Then the hormonal background stabilizes. If there is no support and help, the woman may fall into depression.

Dissatisfaction and tearfulness in women after childbirth is a normal recovery process.

Then comes the period of adjusting to the role of a mother. Nervousness can develop into postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression manifests as a feeling of depression and oppression, tearfulness, unwillingness to see or be near the baby, and may include aggression, anger, and irritability.

How to recognize postpartum depression?

A woman’s emotional state fluctuates after childbirth. It is important to distinguish between a normal condition, which will pass over time, and one that requires seeking help.

Signs

• Neuralgia.
• Absence of menstruation or cycle disruption.
• Headache (up to migraines).
• Dizziness, frequent heart palpitations.
• Itching.
• Change in appetite in any direction and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Nightmares, insomnia, thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming the baby.
• Decreased libido or fear of sex after childbirth.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Increased fatigue, low activity, lack of energy.
• Complaints of illness, but doctors can’t find anything.
• Low self-esteem and insecurity, feelings of guilt.
• Melancholy, apathy, depressed state.
• After childbirth, life has lost its meaning.

Why does postpartum depression occur?

Childbirth does not provoke depression. The cause is stressful factors.

• Low economic and social status of the family.
• Difficult pregnancy and/or childbirth.
• Congenital disease of the child.
• Insufficient family support.
• The woman is psychologically unprepared.

Psychological readiness

• Physical readiness. The woman considers herself healthy, her body is ready to carry the fetus.
• Cognitive readiness. The woman is knowledgeable about the birthing process and self-help methods.
• Emotional. Thinks she is ready for childbirth. Reacts normally to the method of delivery prescribed by doctors (cesarean, natural birth).
• Motivational. The woman wants to give birth (would not avoid it if possible).
• Family-oriented. The woman feels confident if her relatives are happy about the baby, are expecting the birth and discharge, and everything is prepared at home.

To be psychologically prepared, it is necessary to read the literature and attend courses. It’s important to avoid negative information and maintain a positive attitude. Courses help understand how birth proceeds and what to expect afterward.

How to help yourself cope with psychological recovery after childbirth?

• Communication with the baby. During conversations and hugs with the child, both calm down. A newborn needs to feel the mother nearby (sense of security).
• Learning to understand. Crying is not a tragedy. It is how the child communicates their needs.
• Sleep. If someone offers help, it’s better to accept it. Husband, grandparents, relatives. While they take the baby for a walk, cook, wash, or clean, there’s time for sleep. Healthy sleep is the key to health.
• The husband is a support. Some women are afraid to trust their husband with the child and their feelings. It’s possible and necessary to share your feelings with him. Requests for help should be formulated as specifically as possible.
• Appearance. The kilograms will go away over time with the right approach. It’s important for women to like themselves. A haircut that doesn’t require much styling and a minimal set of procedures can help with this. The main thing is to try not to “worry” about small things like the line on the stomach or small stretch marks.
• Time alone. Lack of personal time negatively affects the emotional state of any person. The child can be entrusted to the husband or grandparents. If necessary, they can call on a mobile phone.
• Communication. After the baby is born, time is spent with him and the husband. ‘Moms’ living nearby help avoid a communication deficit. They become support for each other.

Psychological recovery after childbirth from psychologists and doctors

Nerves after childbirth. What to do? On momslab.com, there is a large section of audio materials from a psychologist. It helps women cope with their main problems after childbirth.

On mama-polis.ru there is a course on childbirth preparation. Its latest lectures cover breastfeeding, newborn characteristics, and care up to 1 year.

Yoga and meditation for recovery after childbirth are covered by momslab.com.