It was as if Chris Martin was talking about parenting when he sang “nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be so hard,” as that is precisely how most people feel after having a birth.
However, hands down, it is women who have it harder. They are not only to take on the responsibility of mothering, but they also to wait out the healing of their bodies after the trauma of birth.
It not only causes physical pain but having a baby and the subsequent changes in body and life also impair mental health in women, leading to postpartum mood disorders.
Having knowledge of postpartum complications is imperative for everyone, so one can seek timely help from the Gynecologist in Lahore then.
While most people are aware of postpartum depression, it is just one type of mood disorder that occurs after a baby. Other lesser-known ones include:
Postpartum anxiety
Postpartum anxiety groups together different forms of anxieties including general anxiety order, panic disorder alongside social anxiety disorders. It is natural for new parents, especially the first-time ones, to be extra conscious. Taking care of a dainty baby is not easy. Some women also have to take up social judgments, where their parenting skills are always criticized.
Hence, there are many reasons to feel stress, but with postpartum anxiety, it becomes hard for the woman to function normally, as their anxiety interferes with their ability to perform their tasks.
Some women may also then get panic attacks, a condition in which body perceives itself to be in danger. People hyperventilate, have digestive problems, and think they are about to die.
Postpartum anxiety is more common in women who do not breastfeed. Their anxiety also may hamper their relationships as well.
Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder
In OCD, people are simply unable to get rid of the thought in their mind, which then leads to them doing an action compulsively. Postpartum OCD can then manifest in the usual form of compulsive cleaning.
However, it can also take a dangerous turn when women have thoughts about harming their baby.
Postpartum PTSD
Postpartum PTSD is common in women who have had a risky pregnancy or had a terrible experience at childbirth. At times it may be due to complications that occur during the procedure, other times it may be because of the incompetence of the doctor.
Women with postpartum PTSD might then not have children again or might not go for natural birth if that was traumatic for them.
Postpartum bipolar II
Often, bipolar II disorder is not diagnosed in women, and it is when it peaks after childbirth that they may then realize and recognize the problem. The symptoms of this condition are very similar to postpartum depression.
Women experience manic episodes, remarked by feelings of elation that are then replaced by sadness.
Getting help
Postpartum mood disorders are becoming increasingly common. And since their causes are not always obvious, preventing them altogether is not possible. However, their risk can certainly be reduced.
Women should not be afraid to seek help; many are made to feel less competent if they need help with the baby or around the house. Simply tune out the negative thoughts and people.
Breastfeeding also helps foster connection with the baby and improve mental health then. If you want to, then do give nursing a try. You can consult a lactation expert if it is becoming challenging for you.
Also, ask your partner to pitch in around the care and house. You both are parents, and the entire responsibility should not fall on your shoulders. It is important for mothers to focus on their sleep. Getting sufficient sleep by devising methods that allow the baby to sleep for longer is important. If your insomnia is not due to the baby, then talk to the Best Gynecologist in Karachi about this issue.
