Postnatal Depression and Baby Massage
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- Date Submitted: 01/05/2011 12:28 PM
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Postnatal Depression and Baby Massage
Introduction
Postnatal depression can affect one in ten women after the birth of their child. The arrival of a new born baby should be a happy occasion but for women suffering from depression it can be a stressful lonely period. I intend to briefly explain some of the causes, symptoms and treatment methods. Most importantly, is there any evidence to suggest that baby massage classes can help mums on the road to recovery.
Postpartum Period
There are three recognised mood disorders in the postpartum period.
At one end of the spectrum is ‘baby blues’, affecting about 80 per cent of new mothers, almost expected by all mothers. It usually occurs between the third and tenth day after birth. Symptoms include tearfulness, anxiety, mood fluctuations and irritability.
At the other end of the spectrum is postnatal psychosis. This affects one in 500 mothers, usually in the first 3 to 4 weeks after delivery. Postnatal psychosis is a serious condition. The mother herself may be unaware she is ill, as her grasp on reality is affected. Symptoms include severe mood disturbance, insomnia, and inappropriate responses to the baby. There is risk to the life of both mother and baby if the problem is not recognised and treated.
Between the ‘blues’ and psychosis lies postnatal depression (PND). More than 10 per cent of women develop postnatal depression. Many women do not know that postnatal depression can occur unexpectedly after delivery and typically blame themselves, their partners or their baby for the way they feel. Some try hard to ‘snap out of it’ without understanding that women with PND have little control over the way they are feeling.
Symptoms of PND
• Sleep disturbance unrelated to baby’s sleep needs.
• Appetite disturbances - eating too much or not at all.
• Crying for no reason.
• Inability to cope – doing daily chores and caring for the baby.
• Irritability – snapping at her partner or...
Introduction
Postnatal depression can affect one in ten women after the birth of their child. The arrival of a new born baby should be a happy occasion but for women suffering from depression it can be a stressful lonely period. I intend to briefly explain some of the causes, symptoms and treatment methods. Most importantly, is there any evidence to suggest that baby massage classes can help mums on the road to recovery.
Postpartum Period
There are three recognised mood disorders in the postpartum period.
At one end of the spectrum is ‘baby blues’, affecting about 80 per cent of new mothers, almost expected by all mothers. It usually occurs between the third and tenth day after birth. Symptoms include tearfulness, anxiety, mood fluctuations and irritability.
At the other end of the spectrum is postnatal psychosis. This affects one in 500 mothers, usually in the first 3 to 4 weeks after delivery. Postnatal psychosis is a serious condition. The mother herself may be unaware she is ill, as her grasp on reality is affected. Symptoms include severe mood disturbance, insomnia, and inappropriate responses to the baby. There is risk to the life of both mother and baby if the problem is not recognised and treated.
Between the ‘blues’ and psychosis lies postnatal depression (PND). More than 10 per cent of women develop postnatal depression. Many women do not know that postnatal depression can occur unexpectedly after delivery and typically blame themselves, their partners or their baby for the way they feel. Some try hard to ‘snap out of it’ without understanding that women with PND have little control over the way they are feeling.
Symptoms of PND
• Sleep disturbance unrelated to baby’s sleep needs.
• Appetite disturbances - eating too much or not at all.
• Crying for no reason.
• Inability to cope – doing daily chores and caring for the baby.
• Irritability – snapping at her partner or...