Highlights
- Pregnancy can be a grueling and an overwhelming experience
- The post-partum phase may even be a more challenging phase
- Many women do not even report their depression
While pregnancy can be a grueling and an overwhelming experience, the post-partum phase may even be a more challenging phase. According to a recent study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal, many women do not even report their depression or feeling of anxiety to their healthcare professional. Severe cases of post-partum depression go unreported, "over 10-20 per cent of women (one-fifth) experience significant mood disorders after childbirth and every one in five women do not disclose their symptoms," IANS reported.
"Our study finds that many women who would benefit from treatment are not receiving it, because they don't tell anyone that they're dealing with any challenges," Betty-Shannon Prevatt, clinical psychologist and doctoral student at North Carolina State University was quoted by IANS. Unemployed women were reported to have severe symptoms of post-partum depression. Experts suggest a strong social network to have a key role in helping a woman sail through the post-partum phase. New mothers who consume a well-maintained diet, perform regular physical activity and receiv optimum rest are also seen to manage well post their delivery.
Post-partum depression is a severe issue and can also be tackled with the help of Ayurvedic remedies. Here are some tips that must be kept handy to battle mood swings and spurts of anxiety in a new mother:
Sesame oil body massage
The oil works wonders when used for a full-body massage. Women will vata prakriti will derive great benefit from it. Sunflower oil or coconut oil are also great options. "Use 6 or 7 ounces of warm oil (not hot) and rub it on your body from head to toes," Ayurveda expert Vasant Lad noted in his book, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. Do this before taking shower, cases of acute anxiety coupled with insomnia may try this before turning in.
Ginger water bath
1/3 cup of ginger and 1/3 cup of baking soda can be added to your bathing water. Ideally, the mix must be added to a tub of water for you to sit and soak in it.
Try meditation, it will have a calming effect on your mind and will help resolve momentary bouts of anxiety and even depression.