Postpartum Depression In Women

According to the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, one in five women develop depression during the first few months after the birth of their child.1 Postpartum Depression or PPD can be mild or severe and may cause a woman to feel like she is not enjoying her baby like she had expected. A depressed mother may lack an appetite, causing her body to feel drained and after time, her weight will flourish. She may also lack sleep and it is known for depressed individuals to lose concentration on what is usually a normal day-to-day task. As a midwife, it is important to lead tough conversations such as past experiences to clarify reasons postpartum depression may occur during current or past pregnancies and the postpartum period. The leading
This impacts single mothers the most because they do not have anyone to share this experience with. No extra set of hands to take care of the baby and no one around to help clean the house so the new mother will feel like she has to develop eight arms just to get the job done.
Women and men perception of PPD

Data shows a qualitative research initiative that men and women have just about the same perception. The findings include nine caused underlying women’s depressive symptoms: societal expectations and pressure on women, physical health problems, the transition to parenthood, social connectedness, personality and past psychological history, child health and temperament challenges, unmet care needs, unmet expectations for childbirth and other life stressors 3.
Postpartum
It is prevalent, and offspring are at risk for disturbances in development.” Women who are depressed during pregnancy are at risk for anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, tobacco/alcohol use and poor self-care. In addition, these women may experience preeclampsia and other medical health complications6. As a healthcare provider, it is important to list all possible options and understand what condition your patient’s body is in. “Holistic treatment of postpartum mental disorders consists of a multidisciplinary team approach to educating women and their families about the course of their illness, treating women with pharmacologic agents, providing supportive psychotherapy, and providing continuous safety risk assessment for mother and infant7.” Midwives can provide education, emotional support, and safety risk assessment, medication management is managed by mental health practitioners, such as advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists7.” Midwives can play a critical role in facilitating the recovery of women experiencing postpartum psychosis and reducing the fragmentation that exists between obstetric and mental health care7. Someone who can be beneficial to a high-risk mother is a doula. The doula will be able to give the mother her undivided attention and support her at all times. A doula is also educated, although not a medical care provider, he or she has an expertise in pregnant