Seeking postpartum depression treatment is essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of new mothers after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth. The disorder known as PPD occurs within the first few months following delivery and is characterized by extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness. Singer Marie Osmond is one of the most notable women who have admitted to having this serious illness.
Mothers experiencing this condition have an illness which is much more than "baby blues". They may have difficulty caring for their new infant and often fail to bond with the baby. Depressed mothers adversely affect the development of their child with this failure to bond which can negatively impact the child's ongoing emotional development.
Changes in the mother's hormonal make-up is the primary cause for this condition, which should be diagnosed as quickly as possible in order for a proper treatment to begin. Two major treatment options have proven effective at helping a PPD sufferers bounce back and regain feelings of optimism and normalcy in her life.
Professional counseling in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps a patient take charge of her thoughts and feelings, is extremely helpful in dealing with PPD. Interpersonal therapy, which helps the patient come to terms with family and relationship changes that take place with the addition of a new baby, is another effective treatment method for both the new mother and her partner or spouse. Seek out a licensed counselor whose specialty is postpartum depression treatment.
The administration of antidepressant medication is often required treatment to address the myriad physical and emotional symptoms that accompany PPD. Zoloft is usually the medication of choice because studies have shown it does not interfere with breast feeding.
Other treatment avenues that can help lift the new mother out of her postpartum depression despondency are breast-feeding the infant to encourage closer bonding with the baby. Participating in infant massage classes are also an effective way for both mother and child to feel more attached to the other.
Since many women suffering from this condition feel overwhelmed, hiring household help, an au pair or inviting family members to lend a hand with chores related to the new infant are all beneficial in helping a new mother recover more quickly.
Early diagnosis and treatment will help a new mother suffering from PPD to recover and regain her emotional balance more quickly so she can fully enjoy the new relationship with her child.
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