Postpartum depression can be extremely debilitating. It can also rob a new mother of some of the joys of having her new baby. Post partum depression affects as many as 1 out of 8 women during the first few months of their child’s life. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to ease postpartum depression.

Some of the most reliable ways to ease postpartum depression are anti-depressant medications. Some antidepressants, such as Zoloft, Anafranil, and Norpramin, are considered safe for a woman who is breastfeeding. Others antidepressant medications, such as Paxil, may be more questionable. However, if postpartum depression is severe enough that it is interfering with a mother’s role in caring for her child, stopping breastfeeding to take an antidepressant may be the lesser of two evils.

Another way to ease postpartum depression is therapy. This can take the form of almost anything, from psychoanalysis to counseling to cognitive-behavioral therapy. By talking to a psychologist or therapist, many women have had success managing the symptoms of depression. Talk therapy does not make the feelings of depression go away; rather, it helps the mother develop the tools that she needs to keep those feelings in check.

In addition to these treatments, there are a variety of other factors that may help to ease postpartum depression. A strong social structure, beginning with a supportive husband, can be a tremendous weapon in the fight against postpartum depression. These types of support can range from helping out with housework to taking care of the baby for a period of time so that the new mom can get some well-deserved rest.

The most successful way to ease postpartum depression will likely include a combination of these methods. Therapy, antidepressant medications, and a social support structure all together will exponentially increase a woman’s chances of dealing with postpartum depression successfully. If you believe that you are suffering from postpartum depression, you should contact your health care provider immediately. If left untreated, post partum depression can be seriously debilitating and even lead to worse conditions, such as postpartum psychosis.

Posted in Postpartum

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