NatChat July 2017

* Post Natal Depression *
By Viki Seed — Maternity Consultant
You have been waiting for
months for the moment to arrive
when you can hold your
baby in your arms. You could
not be happier now that he is
here. Yet you feel like hiding
in a dark room on your own.
You feel guilty feeling this
way. Don’t worry, it is all perfectly
normal.
1 in 10 women are diagnosed
with Postnatal Depression, but
studies suggest the number
may be as high as 1 in 4. The
hormonal changes after childbirth
and the demands of a
new baby are the main causes
of PND.
What to look out for:
· Feeling tearful, low or upset
for no reason
· Loss of appetite
· You can’t enjoy yourself
or your baby
· Sleep problems. Whilst
having a new-born already
means you are not getting
much sleep, if you have
PND you might find you
can’t sleep even when baby
sleeps.
· Anxiety
· There can be many other
symptoms, so if you experience
anything unusual
for you, do talk to your
GP about it.
Is there any way of preventing
it?
Unfortunately no, but having
a good support network and
asking for help (and accepting
help!) when you need it can
help. Don’t try to do everything
alone. You have just had
a baby and your body is exhausted
from pregnancy and
childbirth. You are not expected
to have the perfect
house, a freshly cooked meal
on the table, a peacefully
sleeping baby and look perfect.
As much as everyone has
tried and would love to have it
all, we are not superhuman.
What to do if you suspect
you have PND?
First of all, you need to talk
about it. Talk to your midwife,
health visitor or GP
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