If you were to enter the world wide web interstate, take the Google exit and then turn onto 'Postnatal' Street in your search bar, you would find the first address listed is Postnatal Depression.
Also known as postpartum depression, this clinical illness has shown to affect anywhere from 5 to 25% of mothers in the world. Quite a range, right? Well, for some odd reason, prevalence rates are more prevalently unclear and inconsistent than anything. Go figure.
Interestingly enough, men are not exempt from experiencing depression following a childbirth in the family. Granted, the percentage of male population is significantly lower when juxtaposed with the female population, but it's still comforting to know we have some 'feelings' in common. Most men are forced to resort to GPS signals when it comes to understanding women and their constant companion of 'emotion'. Likewise, women need a roadmap to read men too, especially for those in search of their male counterpart's 'emotions', which most likely, are hidden in the garage.
I have a few friends on the brink of motherhood and others who have already passed the border into Babyland, so I've been thinking about the changes they're facing both mentally and physically. New moms have an added stressor of the unknown coupled with the inundation of information to peruse on perfecting motherhood. I thought maybe they'd appreciate a watered down version of material. Factual material.
Parents are most susceptible to suffer depression during the first few months following delivery. For those who enjoy self-diagnosis, here are some possible symptoms to look for:
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Appetite Changes
- Reduced libido
Does that list seem daunting to you? Well, be encouraged by a study recently performed at the University of Melbourne, which included just over 160 postnatal participants who were divided into two groups. The first set of participants were given a specialized exercise program to follow under the guidance of a physiotherapist, in addition to parenting education; whereas the second cluster was given solely written education material. Yawn.
After a period of 8 weeks, re-assessment of psychological well-being, depressive sx, and physical activity in the first group demonstrated notable improvements when compared to the second group. The positive benefits lasted at least 4 weeks following clinical trial in primary group and "The number of women identified as 'at risk' for postnatal depression pre-intervention was reduced by 50% in the Mother and Baby group by the end of the intervention."
A great website to check out for more information is http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
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