Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. It's characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with daily life and parenting responsibilities.
The postpartum phase initiates shortly after childbirth and typically spans six to eight weeks, concluding as the mother's body approaches its pre-pregnancy state. This period holds significant importance for the health and well-being of both the mother and her newborn, influencing both short-term and long-term outcomes.
For over 7 years,”Sreeragam”, an Ayurvedic Health Retreat Center in Kochi” has been providing compassionate and effective postnatal care to mothers, helping them navigate the physical, emotional, and mental changes that accompany the postpartum period. With a focus on integrated wellness and personalized treatment, we aim to empower mothers to thrive during this special time in their lives. We understand that childbirth has an impact on the body, and we are here to support mothers as they recover and regain their strength. Our postnatal treatments focus on relieving discomfort, promoting healing, and restoring balance to the body. Through gentle therapies and nurturing care, we help mothers feel rejuvenated and revitalized.

 

Role of Ayurveda in Postpartum Depression

Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to addressing postpartum depression, focusing on restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit. Through personalized assessments, Ayurvedic practitioners identify underlying imbalances in the doshas and prescribe herbal remedies and dietary recommendations to promote emotional well-being. Self-care practices such as self-massage, breathwork, and meditation are encouraged to reduce stress and nurture the mother's mental health. Yoga therapy tailored to the postpartum period helps alleviate physical discomfort and release tension, while Panchakarma detoxification treatments cleanse the body and calm the mind. Emotional support and counseling are integral components of Ayurvedic postpartum care, empowering women to address underlying emotional issues and cultivate resilience.

 

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. It's characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with daily life and parenting responsibilities. PPD typically develops within the first few weeks after giving birth, but it can also occur later, sometimes even up to a year after delivery.

 

Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary in severity and may include:

 

1. Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
3. Changes in appetite or weight
4. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
5. Fatigue or loss of energy
6. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
7. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
8. Thoughts of death or suicide

 

Types of Postpartum Depressions

Postpartum blues or Baby Blues: Postpartum blues, affecting approximately 50% to 75% of individuals post-delivery, constitute a typical and transient adaptation phase for new mothers. These emotions stem from hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, physical discomfort post-childbirth, and the psychological adjustment to parenthood. Commonly experienced as feelings of sadness, anxiety, or mood fluctuations, they usually peak within the initial week postpartum, gradually dissipating over a span of a few days to a couple of weeks.

Postpartum Depression: Postpartum Depression stands as a significantly graver condition compared to the baby blues, impacting approximately 1 in 7 new parents. For those who have experienced postpartum depression previously, the risk escalates to 30% with each subsequent pregnancy. Initially, postpartum depression symptoms might resemble those of the baby blues, but they are notably more intense and endure for an extended period. These symptoms have the potential to impede one's capacity to care for their infant and manage daily responsibilities. Individuals may encounter alternating periods of heightened and lowered moods, frequent bouts of crying, irritability, fatigue, and feelings of guilt.

Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum Psychosis emerges as an exceedingly severe variant of postpartum depression, demanding immediate medical intervention. While relatively rare, it affects only 1 in 1000 individuals following childbirth. Symptoms entail feelings of confusion and detachment, obsessive fixation on the baby, paranoia, severe restlessness, hyperactivity, delusions or hallucinations, rapid speech, or manic episodes. Swift treatment is essential for postpartum psychosis due to the heightened risks of self-harm and potential danger to the infant.

 

Causes of Postpartum Depression

More research is needed to determine the link between the rapid drop in hormones after delivery and depression.Some common causes are :

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, during pregnancy and after childbirth can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood changes and depression.

History of Mental Health Issues: Women with a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression.

Stressful Life Events:Stressful life events such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or a traumatic birth experience can contribute to the development of postpartum depression.

Lack of Support:Limited social support or feeling isolated after childbirth can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.

Sleep Deprivation:Disrupted sleep patterns due to caring for a newborn can contribute to fatigue and mood disturbances, increasing the risk of postpartum depression.

Physical Health Issues:Physical health problems, such as chronic pain, breastfeeding difficulties, or complications from childbirth, can impact a mother's emotional well-being and contribute to depression.

Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid imbalances or other hormonal issues can also contribute to mood changes and depression during the postpartum period.

How Sreeragam Ayurvedic Health Treats Post Natal Care

Postnatal care, also known as postpartum care, is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the newborn following childbirth. Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat, offers a comprehensive approach to postnatal care that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.We give the best ayurvedic treatment for post natal care in kerala Here's how we address postnatal care:

Rest and Recovery: After childbirth, the mother's body needs time to heal and recover from the physical demands of pregnancy and labor. Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat may emphasize the importance of rest and relaxation during the postpartum period, providing comfortable accommodations and supportive care to facilitate the mother's recovery.

Ayurvedic Massage: Ayurvedic postnatal massage, known as "Punarvasu Abhyanga," is often recommended to promote healing, relieve muscle tension, and support the mother's overall well-being. Specialized herbal oils may be used during the massage to nourish the skin, balance the doshas, and promote relaxation.

Dietary Guidance: Proper nutrition is essential for the mother's recovery and for breastfeeding. Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat may offer dietary guidance based on Ayurvedic principles, recommending nourishing foods that are easy to digest, rich in nutrients, and supportive of lactation. This may include warming soups, cooked grains, lentils, and herbal teas.

Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs and formulations may be prescribed to support the mother's recovery and address any postpartum symptoms she may experience, such as fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or digestive issues. Common herbs used in postnatal care may include shatavari, ashwagandha, fenugreek, and fennel.

Yoga and Gentle Exercise: Gentle yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) tailored to the postpartum period can help the mother regain strength, flexibility, and emotional balance. Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat may offer guided yoga sessions specifically designed for postnatal women.

Emotional Support: The postpartum period can bring about a range of emotions, from joy and fulfillment to stress and anxiety. Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat may provide counseling, support groups, or mindfulness practices to help mothers navigate the emotional challenges of new motherhood and promote mental well-being.

Baby Care: In addition to caring for the mother, Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat may offer guidance on newborn care, including breastfeeding support, infant massage techniques, and natural remedies for common infant ailments.

Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the mother's progress, address any concerns or complications, and adjust the postnatal care plan as needed.

It's important to note that postpartum depression is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, and individual experiences may vary. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends is essential for identifying and addressing postpartum depression effectively.

If you or someone you care about requires postnatal care, we invite you to experience the healing benefits of Ayurveda at Sreeragam Ayurveda Health Retreat Center. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the support, guidance, and nurturing care you need to thrive during this special time in your life. Contact us today to learn more about our postnatal care programs and start your journey towards optimal postnatal wellness.