Homeopathic help with post natal depression

As many as 90% of women experience some degree of “depression” after giving birth. Usually between 3 days and 2 weeks after their child is born – and generally while the body reorganises its’ hormones.  Most women (60-80%) describe what is often called “baby blues”, characterised by low mood, tiredness and tearfulness, and which passes naturally within a few days. Ten to twenty percent of mothers suffer with more intense and long lasting mood shifts, sometimes affecting their ability to bond with their new born. A small percentage of women, 1 in a 1000, suffer with a more serious condition called Postpartum Psychosis, the symptoms of which can, in some cases,  leave a mother in danger of harming themselves or their baby. Every woman’s symptoms are individual and personal. However, here are some to look out for……

Mental: 
Anxiety, despair, apathy, feelings of inadequacy & guilt, lack of concentration, tearfulness

Physical:
Palpitations, dizziness, faintness, hyperventilating, exhaustion, loss of libido

Behavioural:
Irritability, desire to withdraw/be alone, panic attacks, nightmares, feelings of living in a “haze”,negative feelings toward the baby.

It is worth remembering that although post-natal depression focusses on the mother, the short and/or long term impact on the child is a consideration. Behavioural and cognitive development can be affected in more severe cases.

By and large, so-called “post-natal depression” is part of a natural process, which benefits from being treated naturally. Mild cases can be helped with support from your health visitor, family network and by being kind to yourself. Ensure you have sufficient rest, some “me-time” and good nutrition, especially if you are breast feeding.  A breast feeding woman needs about 500 more calories per day. Natural support, which I advise breast feeding mothers in particular to use, comes in the form of Verbena Tincture, Kali.Phos. 6 x Tissue Salts, and the homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla, which I always include in my Pregnancy & Birthing Kit .

For  extended or more deeply rooted cases of post-natal depression, perhaps when conventional medicine is not advantageous, and where unpleasant side- effects can add to the mother’s (and baby’s) difficulties, remedies such as Ignatia, Natrum Mur and Phosphoric Acid come into their own. Actea Racemosa, Sepia and Psorinum step in, if the symptoms are more severe.

Looking after mother and baby is one of the most valuable and rewarding parts of my job, and having experienced post-natal depression myself, after my third child, I know how critical it is to have someone and something there to help.

For more information and advice on the use of homeopathy, as a method of treatment, contact me.

It is always advisable to seek the advice of a registered homeopath before administering remedies.

The Society of Homeopath’s register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care.