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Stimulating your baby during pregnancy by talking to him. Playing soothing music whilst massaging him has also been proved to be benificial.
Not only can this help prepare your baby for the outside world studies have shown that is helps form a closer bond with your baby.
Post Natal depression daily blog
Postnatal depression is a very serious illness following childbirth . As many as 1 in 10 women will experience some form of this illness . Early diagnosis is vital not only to treat and support the women and their famalies but to assist the newborn to develop properly . Their is a strong body of evidence that highlights the fact that babies miss out on those vital early communications.
Causes of post natal depression
- Hormonal
- Previous depression
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Unhappy relationship and lack of support
- Difficult delivery experience
- Problems with the baby
Symtoms of postnatal depression
- Low mood
- Lack of energy
- Irrational thoughts
- Irrational concern for the baby,s wellbeing
- Lack of appetite
- Being unable to sleep when the baby is asleep ( again irrational fears)
- Refusing to go out of the house
- Psychosis ( this condition is very obvious and very serious )
Some of the above symtoms can be quite normal for new mums , This leads to some confusion of course. The important dividing line is when thease symtoms persist on a daily basis . I get particularly concered when
The new mum refuses to go out of the house and when she cannot sleep as new mum,s are usually exausted and grab any sleep that they can get
Treatment
- Discuss with midwife. Health visitor or General Practitioner
- Extra support in the home
- Family or friends to support
- Anti depressants (suitable for breast feeding)
- Community Psychiatric nurse (home visit)
- Referral to see Psychiatrist
- Admission to mother and baby unit at the local psychiatric unit
Most women respond positively to the initial discussion and correct diagnosis . That is why early intervention is essential . Extra support may be available from the voluntary sector. The wider family need to rally around and support the new parents. Professional support from the health visitor and the CPN(community psychaitric nurse )
Sometimes medication is required and the condition quickly subsides
In severe cases admission to the local mother and baby unit is necessary . This will be decided by the GP and Psychaitrist and usually the outcomes are very positive
Most women make a complete recovery but will be more prone to post natal depression in the following pregnancies ,
In the next pregnancy an early referral and extra support will be available to try to prevent post natal depression happening again