Everything You Need To Know About Postpartum Depression
What Does Postpartum Depression
It's frustrating when you're not feeling like yourself. What if we could break through postpartum depression without medications? Just imagine.. sleeping through the night, not yelling and crying so much. Feeling joy again. The truth? It takes more than herbal medicine to help you heal depression. Don't forget
your mental health matters
So do what you need to do, to take care of your children right now. What's the magic formula? Adaptogens + nervines + therapy + gut healing
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In this post, I'll share what I've learned about Postpartum depression and how you can begin to heal your body; even if you're taking medications or breastfeeding.
How does Postpartum Depression happen
The cause of PPD remains unknown, but some suggested reasons are...
The rapid changes in hormones during the postpartum period and the inability to flush them out postpartum
Thyroid insufficiency (The thyroid can go from Hyperthyroid to Hypothyroidism 2-5 months after birth)
A rapid drop in insulin levels
Inadequate vitamins & minerals
Mother-child separation and negative birth experience/trauma
Lack of social and emotional support
Sleep deprivation
Your gut health
The MTHFR gene and your ability to detoxify
“You don’t need more medication for postpartum depression, you need deep nourishment. ”
When does Postpartum Depression start
Postpartum depression starts 2- 3 weeks after birth and can last up to a year or longer.
Postpartum Depression or The Baby Blues?
Watch this video.
8 Tips To Prevent Postpartum Depression
#1 Ask for help!
As my girlfriend has said: "You are becoming "superwoman". And superwoman would ask for help.
It is "ok" if you can't do this by yourself, call someone today!
Please, ask your friends and family for help– they want to help you.
#2 Talk about PPD with everyone
Tell friends you're struggling.
Write about your birth.
Read this post for some writing prompts: https://taragregorio.com/writing-through-postpartum-depression-13-writing-prompts-for-mental-health/
Write about your trauma. Draw a picture of how you are feeling. The postpartum time is really hard. Talk about it.
#3 Get adequate rest
Sleep deprivation is real – especially if you're a mom of multiples!
Ask someone to watch the kids, sleep, and rest.
The house will be a mess, let it be.
You need to restore your health.
#4 Optimize nutrition
It has been suggested women are lacking valuable nutrients during the postpartum period.
When I opened my eyes after childbirth, it looked like a war zone! So much blood.
With that amount of blood loss, I had to restore my body with valuable vitamins.
The 6 must-have Postpartum Supplements
Essential Fatty Acids - important for a healthy nervous system. It is recommended to supplement with 1-3 g/day of fish oil with DHA and EPA to reduce depression.
B vitamins - needed for the growth of red blood cells, energy levels, and proper nerve function
Zinc - known to boost immunity, reduce viral illnesses, and aid gut health, add Zinc to your diet to restore your overall health.
Iron - A mineral vital to the proper function of hemoglobin, a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood. Liver and red meat are the #1 sources of iron. If you are anemic, you can add in Floradix; a non-constipating, herbal iron supplement.
Probiotics - If you've had a C-section or digestive issues, adding a probiotic 2-3 months after birth can help your body AND also reduce allergies in your child's health. I like Klair probiotics.
Magnesium - to soothe anxiety and reduce constipation
#5 Eat often to prevent insulin drops
Low blood sugar, can have a dramatic effect on your mood. Add healthy fat and protein with each meal.
#6 Incorporate botanicals to soothe anxiety
Your anxiety & depression matters and it's not going away anytime soon!
Learn how to use herbs when you breastfeeding, to make life easier.
Look for Class 1 botanicals to use if you're breastfeeding to soothe anxiety and boost your energy. {Pin the image!}
A cup of Chamomile and Lemon Balm tea with a tincture of motherwort can do wonders for your stress.
Herbs for depression
Consider incorporating St. John's wort if you feel comfortable. Watch this video to learn how you can add it in safely:
#7 Add adaptogens to ease sleep deprivation
Adaptogens help us "adapt around stress". These miracle herbs can help you overcome postpartum depression – naturally.
The safest adaptogen to take while breastfeeding is Ashwagandha. Watch this video: https://taragregorio.com/ashwagandha-while-breastfeeding/
#8 Integrate medications when necessary
{Please contact an emergency hotline if you are having suicidal thoughts for yourself or your children}
Is postpartum depression, baby blues?
There is a difference between Baby blues and postpartum depression.
Baby blues are considered "normal" postnatal hormonal adjustments.
It begins on days 3-4 and lasts up to 14 days. Symptoms include crying, irritability, fatigue, and anxiety.
[bctt tweet="The key difference between baby blues and postpartum depression? Baby blues are punctuated with periods of elation or happiness and postpartum depression is not." username="tarajgregorio"]
When does postpartum depression start
PPD can begin 2-3 weeks postpartum and can last up to a year or longer.
Symptoms include agitation, anxiety, and panic attacks, confusion, despair, guilt, hopelessness, loneliness, nightmares, thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby.
There are no punctuations of happiness or elation.
Where do you go for Postpartum Depression support?
Contact: Postpartum Support International
They note:" You can also contact our warmline directly and speak to a volunteer who will provide support, information, and resources where you live.
Leave a message on our warmline 1.800.944.4773, and one of our volunteers will call you back asap.
Calls are returned within 24 hours, and typically within a few hours of your request. If you are in crisis or need more immediate help…please call 911 or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255."
Conclusion
Your mental health matters and there is no shame in taking medication while you work on your health.
If you choose not to take medications, herbal remedies can help soothe your nervous system and ease the tension and depression in your body.
The goal is to get to the root cause of this: usually, our inability to soothe our nervous system and detoxify the hormones. Supporting your liver in clearing excessive hormones from your body will be your #1 guide to healing.
Do you have questions about healing depression? I'd love to help. Leave them in the comment area and I'll get back to you.
xo Tara
References:
Romm, Aviva: Botanicals Medicine For Women's Health
Fallon, Sally: Nourishing Traditions
