Postpartum Depression: What You Need to Know

Postpartum Depression: What You Need to Know – Vol. 474, Nov. 1 2018

According to the American Psychological Association, up to 1 in 7 women who give birth will be affected by postpartum depression, making it a fairly common malady. The cause is not known, however, there are some helpful ideas to help to deal with it. 

First, be aware of the fact that the onset of postpartum depression can occur before giving birth and effects the early weeks of a mother bonding with her newborn. This is very important to understand because the baby needs this bonding to develop what is known as ‘healthy attachment.’ Without it, being raised by a mother that is depressed and neglectful, the baby can develop a disorder known as Reactive Attachment Disorder. I have worked with many grown men and some grown woman who have suffered such neglect as infants, and many of them become sex addicts and romance addicts, never feeling fulfilled in any of their primary relationships. Yet, few realize that this is the reason why. 

So, what are the symptoms?

1. Difficulty forming an emotional attachment to the baby

2. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

3. Feelings of sudden anger or rage

4. Feelings of anxiety and difficulty with decision-making 

5. Feelings of failing to develop ‘mother’s instincts”

6. Self-isolation from friends and family

7. Sleeping too little or too much, and out of sync with the baby

8. Eating too little or too much

9. Thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby

Other complications that some woman with postpartum depression may experience are uterine, bladder, and kidney infections, breast tenderness, backache, headaches, hair loss, constipation, and pain during intercourse. These symptoms may not be experienced until a few weeks after delivery. 

So, what can one do to holistically treat postpartum depression?

1. If you are finding yourself going between depression and anxiety, you may be dealing with a thyroid disease such as Hachimotos – which is an autoimmune disease that you were genetically predisposed to, where the stress of the childbirth triggered it. So, have your thyroid checked out by a functional or Integrative doctor since they are the ones who know which tests are necessary to rule this in or out. 

2. Exercise is better than antidepressants because it naturally releases dopamine, the “pleasure” neurotransmitter. 

3. Return to those hobbies you enjoy.

4. Take omega 3 fatty acids – they are very helpful in releasing depression.

5. Do daily meditation and/or self-hypnosis to relax your brain and your body

6. Yoga, is great for bringing yourself back into balance mentally, emotionally and physically – nothing too strenuous, listen to your body.

7. Spend alone time with your partner doing fun things outside the house like a date night

If you are still having difficulty with it, do reach out to a professional who understands how to help you with your depression. You can get more information on depression and how to better understand and treat it on this website under “Depression

About Suzanne

Suzanne Kellner-Zinck founded Dawning Visions Hypnosis in 2002, She has become an innovator in the use of hypnotism and neuro-linguistic programming in the areas of obsessive compulsive disorders such as: eating disorders, sexual addiction and substance abuse as well as working with those with anxiety and mood disorders.

Her clients have come to work with her from across the United States and as far away as Africa to help them to finally be freed from these emotional issues that once ruled their lives. Today she is in the process of bringing her work to many more in the form of ebooks and other downloadable formats.

She is a member of American Holistic Medical Association and the American College for Advancement in Medicine.

Prior to founding Dawning Visions Hypnosis, Kellner-Zinck worked within vendor programs for the mentally ill working to help them to live up to their fullest potential. Many of her previous clients were able to move out on their own and find fulfilling work.

Kellner-Zinck is a Certified Trainer of Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic programing through Tad James Company, Inc. and a Master Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming through Advanced Neuro Dynamics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and political studies from Curry College.

Dawning Visions Hypnosis is teaching people that they can indeed leave their unwanted behaviors behind as they move forward to living fulfilling and joy filled lives.