50%-75% New mothers experience postpartum depression

Do you know that 50-75% of new mothers experience depression and 15% of them develop a more severe depression?

However, it often went unnoticed and neglected.

How much do you know about postpartum depression a.k.a. "Baby Blue"?

Emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, exhaustion, guilt, anxiety, and difficulties caring for the newborn are all symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a condition that can be treated.

Postpartum depression commonly happens 6 weeks post childbirth, some within 3 to 6 months, worse case, it may prolong for 1 to 2 years.

How does this happen?

Hormonal change is one of many contributing factors that cause depressions, as Progesterone and Estrogen level drop rapidly, it affects our brain's operation.
In addition to this, daily routine changes socially and psychologically, causing an increased risk of postpartum depression.

It is a serious matter!

Depending on the severity, postpartum are treated differently. For some mild cases, family support, counselling, psychotherapy and anti-depressant medicine helps. For more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

How can we minimize or prevent depression?

• Be realistic about your expectations of yourself and your baby.
• Ask for help whenever you need and let others know how they can help you.
• Rest when your baby sleeps.
• Communicate with your partner and family members.
• Expect good and bad days.
• There is no standard parenting, a mother is born together with her baby. Take your time to learn.
• Some Chinese Herbal concoction helps to calm nerve and soothe anxiety. Consult your physician for this. Some common ones are dried longan pulp, lotus seed, etc

When to seek for medical help?

• If you are unable to function normally; unable to cope with daily life.
• thought of harming yourself or baby.
• extremely anxious, panicky, cry most of the time.
• If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, do seek doctor's help.