Postpartum Depression Myth: “Time Heals All”

The Baby Blues: Not The Same As Postpartum Depression

Look; many women get what is referred to as the “baby blues,” a feeling of dis-ease emotionally in the days, and sometimes weeks, after birthing a baby.

Estimates from reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine are that anywhere from half to about 85% of new mothers experience baby blues.

It’s a feeling, and can be described as a sad emotion.

But wait, there’s more. Mood swings, such as feeling anxious, sad, irritable, happy, then impatient, for example, are common.

So is the feeling of deep fatigue, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

These are are all part of Postpartum Depression’s milder sibling, the Baby Blues.

Some women even cry or get upset at small things, or even nothing.

As the hormones fluctuate, these mood swings, including  longstanding irritability, even restlessness, are all normal.

Women experiencing mild postpartum depression usually find that their symptoms resolve spontaneously, given time.

Postpartum Depression More Serious Than Baby Blues

But Postpartum Depression is more serious, a more severe mood disorder than the “baby blues.”

(If you despise using the disrespectful term “baby blues”  term as much as I do, please let me know in the comments, dear reader!)

This is more intense. It’d not like the feelings are any different than the Baby Blues; they’re all the same, actually.

It’s the intensity, and the fact that it’s a persistent experience for the new mother.

Changes in sleep patterns, appetite and eating, and overall energy levels are signs that the depression is severe.

A loss of interest in life, relationships, and even the baby signals trouble.

As a mother becomes increasingly depressed, she’ll be less able to bond with her infant, and this creates a vicious cycle.

For Baby Blues, The Old Adage “Time Heals All” Does Apply

When it comes to the baby Blues, it could easily be said that for many new Moms, the adage that, “Time Heals All” is mostly true.

However, concerning Postpartum Depression, this just isn’t true.

It’s total BS.

And so, if you’re the woman who’s feeling depressed, or you’re with a new mother and she’s feeling terribly depressed, don’t do nothing.

Even if an elder you respect suggests the postpartum woman should sit tight and just wait ’til she “feels better,” it’s still not a good idea.

Here Is A Brief List Of Things A New Mom Suffering From Postpartum Depression Could Do:

Talk With An Psychologist, Spiritual Advisor, or Counselor.

Find out of there are any underlying feelings or ideas making everything worse.

It’s also great having someone committed to listening, even if they are paid.

Actually, Spiritual or  faith-based advisors are often free.

Of course, you’d be better off having a Zoom meeting, as you shouldn’t really be leaving the house unless you really need to.

Even a good friend or family member  can be immensely helpful as someone to listen and discuss feelings with, though in severe cases, the best help is helping the postpartum patient get professional help.

Find Support Online On A Forum Or Chat Group.

Sharing experiences online on a forum helps many women to connect and relate.

It can be reassuring meeting other people suffering the same symptoms.

Isolation may contribute to feelings of depression in the postpartum phase, and so online forums and postnatal groups are especially valuable.

Have an In-Home Postpartum Massage.

Firstly, if you’re asking why “In-home” matters, and a new Mom can’t just go to a day spa or even specialized perinatal place, it’s because the wise women of most traditional cultures suggested staying in after birthing.

I respect that. It just makes sense.

You aren’t wasting valuable energy. You aren’t separated from the baby. You aren’t exposing yourself to pathogens. The list goes on.

Postnatal Massage has been well-studied.

This is an effective strategy for dealing with postpartum depression.

And, there are many other benefits to the new mother.

Of course, Postnatal Massage is also an effective strategy for dealing with the “Baby Blues” phenomenon as well.

Finding a Postpartum LMT trained in providing Breast Massage as a part of the postnatal massage session can be especially helpful.

Breast Massage is soothing and is an especially effective modality for the postpartum phase of life.

This practice is all well-documented, and there are numerous studies pointing to the many benefits of breast massage.

Medication Is Undesirable Because Breastfeeding Is Best Feeding!

Antidepressants do work for some women, but then breastfeeding may no longer be possible, due to the drug passing to the infant in the mother’s milk.

Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with the baby, and is a natural way for a new Mom to feel close and experience positive, relaxing sensations and  feelings.

Also, breast milk is irreplaceable.

There is, literally, no substitute, in terms of its chemistry and composition, and I say this as a Certified Lactation Professional.

So, I know my stuff.

Of course, begin with alternatives to drugs, when possible.

This should always be a last resort.