How Making Some Simple Dietary Changes Can Help Post Natal Depression

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What is Post Natal Depression

The vast majority of births are joyous occasions and lead to no long-term issues for a mother to deal with. However, a combination of hormonal changes and the enormity of child-birth can leave some people with postnatal depression. There are differing degrees of the condition; however, most mothers will experience only very mild symptoms. Thankfully, there are several treatments available for the  condition, and some of them are completely natural and drug-free.

Symptoms

By: D. Sharon Pruitt

Around one in every ten mothers will experience some form of the baby-blues. Mothers suffering with this relatively mild form of depression can be a little teary and more emotional for the first few days after the birth. The symptoms of the baby-blues can be very subtle; so much so that they are often disregarded as insignificant by many mothers. Around one in ten mothers will develop full-blown postnatal depression during the four weeks immediately after the birth. The symptoms include irritability, darker moods, a slight change in personality, feelings of guilt and a lack of motivation. These symptoms will often pass over time; however, women who are still suffering with the affliction after four weeks should seek some medical advice. Around one in every one thousand women will experience postnatal psychosis; a very serious condition that will definitely require some form of medical intervention.

Natural Therapy

There is now a growing trend of natural therapy for these conditions that negates the need for prescription drugs. Many women are turning to treatment which includes a series of changes to lifestyle, diet and vitamin consumption. There is some evidence that the symptoms of depression may be related, in part, to a person’s diet. Mineral supplements such as amino acids are considered by many physicians as an alternative to antidepressants. They have a direct relationship with the brain that can be regulated with regular supplements.

Respected research into depression has discovered that a deficiency in folic acid may be a possible cause of postnatal depression. This is another naturally-found substance, and a lack of it in the body can lead to many of the symptoms of depression. It is often a good idea to take folic acid during and after a pregnancy if any of the symptoms of depression are present. However, supplements can mask deficiencies of vitamin B, so new mothers should seek advice from their doctor before taking them. The symptoms associated with insufficient folic acid are apathy, anxiety, insomnia and mild amnesia; all of which can be mistaken for clinical depression.
Magnesium is another substance that is naturally produced in the body and it is involved in over three hundred chemical reactions. A deficiency of magnesium can cause lethargy, dizziness, chronic pain and severe mood swings. Magnesium supplements have been proven to relieve many of these symptoms in some people. They are often also taken by premenstrual women who suffer with symptoms similar to depression. Dark green leaf vegetables, soya and nuts are all excellent sources of magnesium.

Many cases of postnatal depression will pass after a few days; however, many people will experience longer-lasting symptoms and may require some form counselling. It is vital that women talk to someone in the first instance. For many, talking to a partner, friend or relative may be therapeutic. More serious cases will need some form of professional counselling from trained medical professionals. There is a lot of help available to women; the first step is always to ask for it.

This article was written for Bundles of Joy by Suzanne. Bundles of Joy is a company which supplies baby gifts and other high quality gifts for special occasons.

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