Pregnancy has various stages as your body and mind go through several changes and challenges. We speak to Ansa Lange, a certified life coach, parenting specialist and trauma counsellor about the aftermath of pregnancy: postpartum depression.
“My personal journey with postpartum depression has profoundly shaped my understanding of this condition. Being a new mom with a baby who had severe colic and cried for most of the 24 hours every day threw me into the depths of postpartum depression. I cannot emphasise the importance of the right treatment, support and rest enough.”
Ansa describes postpartum depression as a period that begins soon after the delivery of the baby and usually lasts six to eight weeks. “This period ends when the mother’s body has nearly returned to its pre-pregnant state. The postpartum period for a woman and her newborn is very important for both short-term and long-term health and well-being.
She further mentioned that there are three different types of postpartum mood disorders to be aware of. Firstly, baby blues is quite common and affects 50% to 75% of new parents. The symptoms usually include frequent crying, sadness, and anxiety.
Postpartum depression lasts much longer and affects one in seven new parents. “You experience mood swings, crying, irritability, fatigue, guilt, anxiety, and difficulty caring for your baby.”
This more serious condition usually starts within a week of delivery to up to a year later and may last for several months. It’s important to get professional help which may include therapy and medication.
Postpartum psychosis is not very common and affects 1 in 1,000 new parents. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include severe agitation, confusion, hopelessness, shame, insomnia, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid speech, or mania.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention due to the risk of suicide and harm to the baby and may include hospitalisation, psychotherapy, and medication.
“Manage your expectations, expect some good days and some bad days. Limit visitors when you first go home. Let others know how they can help you and don’t isolate yourself. Remember, recognising the symptoms early, reaching out for help and providing consistent emotional support can make a significant difference in the recovery journey,” Ansa mentions.
Text: Abigail Visagie
