A 37 year-old women took her few months old baby jumped off her building 2 weeks ago, left behind her husband and their 7 year-old son without saying goodbye. 

In the US, one in five postpartum deaths are suicide-related, it is the second leading cause of death among new mothers. The numbers in China could be similar, but most of them haven't have the chance to get diagnosed, treatments or being aware of. 

Nearly 10% of new moms shows symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD), but often being neglected, because outsiders often only see the happiness of a new life coming to the world and forget to ask how the new moms are feeling. 

Baby Blues - Postpartum Depression

Rate: 70~80%

Time: Starts on the 2nd or 3rd day after childbirth, ends around 2 weeks

Symptoms: Mood swing, feel irritable, anxious, insomnia, loss of appetite

Solve: More comfort and caring from family and friends. Should recover in 2 weeks

Postpartum Depression

Rate: 10~15%

Time: Start after the first month of childbirth, mostly from 3rd~6th month.

Symptoms: Insomnia, feel hopeless, sad, worthless, cry often. Doesn’t feel bonding with the baby.   Might have anxiety and panic attacks, may also have suicidal thoughts.

Solve: Can be treated with medication and counseling

Causes

Hormonal changes 

After delivery, the hormone level drops rapidly. 

The levels of estrogen and progesterone increase 10X during pregnancy. Then, 3 days after giving birth, they drop back to what they were before she got pregnant. The sharp changes in hormone causes mood swing. 

Thyroid levels can also drop, which leads to fatigue and depression. 

Physical changes

The physical pain, and difficulty of losing the baby weight could leave mothers insecure about physical and sexual attractiveness.

Stress

The stress of caring for a newborn can also take a toll. 

New mothers are often sleep deprived. In addition, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about your ability to properly care for your baby. These adjustments can be particularly difficult if you’re a first-time mother who must get used to an entirely new identity.

What To Do?

1. Reach out for help

No one is a natural mother, it’s ok to ask for help while feeling overwhelmed. Learn to lean on others. Positive social contact relieves stress faster and more efficiently than any other means of stress reduction.  

2. Nonviolent communication

Many conflict starts from lack of communication. 

“You don’t care”

“You need to be stronger”

“Think about your kids…” 

We usually don’t realized how violent we communicate to our loved ones. 

Nonviolent communication is a formula that can help you to better communicate your feelings. Next time when you argue with someone, try this formula instead: 

When __ (describe action), I feel __ (share feeling, not your judgment) because I have a need for __ (state need, again not judgment). Would you consider __ (describe your request)? 

To be honest, it’s super hard to talk like this during the moment of heat. You can give it a minute to calm down a bit, and try this. 

Instead of “You don’t care at all!”, you can say “You didn’t get up to change the diapers these 3 nights. This makes me stressed because I have the need to get a good sleep. Could you be the one who takes care of the diaper situation tonight?”. 

Try this, and also try to share the technique with your partner and parents, this works both ways. You will realized how violent you were and communicate does matter. 

3. Learn to bond with the baby

Learning to bond with the baby benefits the mom by releasing endorphins that make her feel happier and more confident as a mom.  

4.Take care of yourself

Have some quality time to pamper yourself, this is not being selfish. To take care of your mental and physical health is equally important as taking care of the baby. Do things that help you feel like yourself again. Meditate, take a nice nap, exercise, skip house work…

TCM Prespective

TCM sees mental issues as a kind of disorder in the Qi or blood. After giving birth, losing blood and Qi, the body will be in a very weak state. Because of the blood/Qi deficiency, could lead to Liver Qi Stagnation or Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency. TCM doctors often use different herbal formulas to work on the Liver, Heart and Spleen energy to help regulate or boost the blood and Qi, for helping moms to sleep, eat and feel better. Best to consult with a TCM doctor on what formulas to take, most herbs can be used during breastfeeding, which is safe for the baby at the same time. 

Acupuncture could also be a good way to clam the nerves, helping new moms to sleep better and clear the fogginess in the minds. It also works well on improving appetite, increasing milk lactation. 

Treatments

1. Individual therapy

A good therapist can help guide you through the adjustments of motherhood

2. Medication

Zulresso (Brexanolone) is the first FDA approved drug for PPD, along with other antidepressant, it should be evaluated and prescribed by psychologist, and closely monitored while taking them.

3. Hormone therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy sometimes helps with postpartum depression. Estrogen is often used in combination with an antidepressant.

What To Eat?

1. Serotonin

Foods: spinach, eggs, milk, soy products, nuts, seeds, salmon and poultry

Serotonin aka “happy hormone”, is a chemical to make people happy. Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin.

2. Omega-3

Foods: salmon, mackerel, pistachio, walnuts   

Omega-3 can help soothe the nerves and balance the hormone levels. 

3. Vitamin B

Foods: Dark green vegetables, grains and dairy products

Vitamin B are able to clam the mood. 

4. Avoid too much coffee 

Overdose of caffeine can effect the sleeping quality and lead to even more sever insomnia. 

I hope the article lifts up some awareness on PPD, studies show that not only moms get PPD, new dads will also show some symptoms. Works as a family, communicate well, and get through this together.