Can Supplements Ward Off The ‘baby Blues’
Researchers look to nutrients to offset temporary brain-chemical changes in new mothers
HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, March 13, 2017 — After childbirth, many new moms experience the “baby blues.” Now, researchers suggest that just three days of an experimental dietary supplementation may vanquish the temporary sadness.
“Women who take the supplement don’t get sad” in the early days of motherhood, said Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, co-author of a study testing this blues-banishing regimen.
“We also see this as a promising way to try to prevent postpartum depression,” said Meyer. He is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto and co-creator of the product.
Postpartum blues — a milder condition than postpartum depression — is thought to affect about 75 percent of women in the first week after giving birth.
It can be considered a “normal phase” marked by anxiety, moodiness and crying, said Dr. Teri Pearlstein, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University.
“The symptoms can be bothersome, but support and reassurance from others are usually helpful,” said Pearlstein, who wasn’t involved in the study.
Hoping to combat these temporary emotional swings, Meyer’s team developed a dietary kit to be taken in the first three to five days after childbirth.
The ingredients? Blueberry juice and blueberry extract and the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine.
The study was published online March 13 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Include Exercise In Your Daily Routine
Research shows that exercise is extremely helpful in treating depression. Start slowly a 30-minute walk every day can do wonders to your overall physical and mental health. It can feel like it takes forever to leave the house with a newborn, but dont let that stop you from getting daily activity, even just for a few minutes.
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Final Thoughts About Postpartum Depression
Now that you have these tools in on how to help treat postpartum depression you can slowly start to heal and cope with your depression.
Remember to always talk with your doctor and tell them sooner rather than later about how you are feeling. You can start journaling your thoughts if speaking out loud is to difficult. You can also start exercising, take the time to go outside, start on vitamins, and take care of yourself by talking about it.
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Natural Approaches For Postpartum Depression
Women’s Health
DISCLAIMER
This blog has not been approved by your local health department and is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Read More
Cherilyn Cecchini, MD
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that may interfere with a mothers ability to care for herself or her child after childbirth. This differs from baby blues, which generally begin within the first two to three days after delivery and may last up to two weeks. When the depression continues beyond this point, it classifies as postpartum depression. The postpartum period is the most vulnerable time for a woman to develop a psychiatric condition, but it is important to remember that symptoms may begin during pregnancy or up to one year after birth.
Dietary Supplements For Preventing Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression is a common condition that affects women and may impact on their babies. Common symptoms of postnatal depression include fluctuations in mood, mood changes, suicidal ideation and preoccupation with infant well-being ranging from over-concern to frank delusions. There is currently not much evidence regarding interventions that might prevent or treat postnatal depression. A diet lacking in certain vitamins, minerals or other nutrients may cause postnatal depression in some women. Correcting this deficiency with dietary supplements might therefore prevent postnatal depression. Examples of possible dietary supplements aimed at preventing postnatal depression include omega-3 fatty acids, iron, folate, s-adenosyl-L-methionine, vitamin B12 , B6 , B2 , vitamin D and calcium.
This review identified two randomised controlled studies. One study examined the effect of selenium supplements taken by women from the first trimester to birth in preventing postnatal depression. This study had a high risk of bias because of women withdrawing or not completing their self-scoring system for depression . It may also have been difficult to ensure that the women took their supplements because of concerns that exist about taking supplements during pregnancy. More high-quality studies would be required to confirm any benefit in preventing postnatal depression using selenium.
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register .
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Best Vitamins For The First Trimester
The first trimester is a very critical period in development as baby grows from zygote and embryo to fetus. During those early weeks, many organs and systems are beginning to take form theres babys neural development and blood cell formation to the very early stages of reproductive organs and facial features developing.
And of course, moms body is changing to accommodate all these developments and needs of baby. The pregnant body produces more blood volume to provide extra blood flow to the uterus and other organs.
With all these internal changes, its no wonder many women experience morning sickness during the first trimester.
Perelels 1st trimester pack is specifically formulated by top obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine doctors to support these crucial early development needs from weeks 0-13.
The 1st trimester daily pack bundles several vitamins to make it easy for mom to take care of both herself and baby, and includes:
2 full-spectrum multivitamins core vitamins with activated folate, significant choline for fetal neurodevelopment and DHA metabolism, vitamin D for normal immune function
1 omega with both DHA and EPA capsule to support brain development and mood NOTE: DHA + EPA is vital because the EPA allows the DHA to cross the placenta and reach baby
1 additional folate capsule to support early-stage pregnancy needs
1 B6 + ginger capsule as an anti-nausea support
Connect With Other Moms
Many moms with baby blues feel lonelyeven if they are not alone! Although your partner may be physically present, they dont always know what its like to go through childbirth. Whether its a or an in-person support group, its nice to know that other women share your highs and your lows. Were all in this together!
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What To O If I Think Im Clinically Depressed
Clinical depression is a mental disorder defined by low mood, incapacitating tiredness, as well as loss of rate of interest in activities. It also has physical signs such as sleep problems, inadequate hunger, as well as reduced power degrees.
According to the Globe Health Company, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. There are other alternatives such as CBT that might be reliable for those enduring from medical anxiety. Vitamins To Help Postpartum Depression
Create Time For Yourself
You may feel stuck on the couch breast-feeding. Maybe youre feeling overwhelmed by work, household responsibilities, or your older children. Instead of dealing with these stresses alone, reach out for help. Take up your mother-in-law on her offer of free babysitting. Let your partner or another trusted adult take the baby for an hour or two.
You may find it helpful to schedule some dedicated me time once a week. Even if you can only get out of the house between nursing sessions, you can use this time to decompress. Go on a walk, take a nap, go to a movie, or do some yoga and meditation.
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How To Start An Online Therapy Session
Online therapy chat is an outstanding way to share their struggles, thoughts, and feelings with an on the internet specialist. You can have an open as well as sincere discussion with your specialist free of charge, or you can spend for professional sessions.
How does one start an on the internet therapy session?
There are some rules to comply with when beginning a therapy session. When you are not sure regarding something, it is best to speak with your specialist before publishing on social media. Its also best to investigate the subject in advance so youre gotten ready for any type of concerns or concerns your specialist might have about what youre having problem with. By gathering even more info, it will certainly help both of you to produce an extra comprehensive therapy strategy. Vitamins To Help Postpartum Depression
Do Postnatal Vitamins Have Any Side Effects
Postnatal supplements dont usually have any side effects.
You may feel nauseated after taking prenatal vitamins, especially if the supplement requires you to take a large number of pills. If this is the case, try a protein powder supplement or a chewable supplement instead.
If your postnatal supplement is high in iron, it may cause constipation. However, taking the right form of iron can help reduce the risk of constipation.
Iron bisglycinate is a form of iron thats less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation than other forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate .
Drinking plenty of water, eating a fiber-rich diet, and getting enough exercise can help . Talk with a healthcare professional if youre experiencing severe or prolonged constipation.
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Herbs And Supplements For Postpartum Mood And Anxiety Disorders
WHAT ARE POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS?
Its normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the many responsibilities of having a newborn. Feelings of fatigue, crying, insomnia, anger, feelings of being alone, and the inability to concentrate are all typical of the Baby Blues. Theyre usually short-lived, lasting for a few weeks.
But if these or other bad feelings continue, or are more severe at any point after having a baby, you may have a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, and its important to seek help from your health care provider.
WHICH HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS CAN HELP?
There are many ways to treat postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, including therapy, support groups, medications, rest, acupuncture, nutrition, help with domestic responsibilities, socializing with family and friends, and exercise. In this post, well focus on herbals and supplements to combat these disorders.
HERBS:
If you are taking an anti-depressant or other prescription medications, be sure to discuss herbal use with your physician to prevent interactions.
- Vitex helps stimulate progesterone production and balance the hormonal cycle.
- Motherwort and lemon balm can help with mood swings and emotional balance.
- Skullcap, oats, and chamomile are tonic herbs for nerves and stress.
- St. Johns wort
- A Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner may be able to recommend additional herbs.
SUPPLEMENTS:
AROMATHERAPY:
BACH FLOWER ESSENCES:
Self Care For New Moms
It is hard to take care of yourself when you are sleep deprived, learning to be a mom, and feeling the symptoms of postpartum.
For those reasons alone you should start a self-care routine. It can be as simple or as complex as youd like. Here are some ideas:
- Go To The Grocery Store Alone
- Ask Your Partner To Watch Baby While You Read A Book
It really can be as simple as getting a few minutes every day for you to do one thing you love. Taking care of your body and mind is critical for success to recover from postpartum depression.
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The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Therapy And Also Just How It Can Aid You Locate Your Means To Happiness
It can be challenging to leave that rut and also begin again when you are really feeling down. This is where on the internet therapy comes into play. Online therapy has numerous pros and cons. Right here is a list of what online therapy has to use:.
Pros:
- You can go at your own pace.
- You dont have to meet up with a specialist face-to-face.
- You can talk in privacy.
- There are no charges related to it.
Disadvantages:
- It could really feel much less individual the specialist isnt looking you in the eye, making you really feel less connected and also more distracted from the conversation handy.
- The occasionally impersonal nature of online therapy might also develop an atmosphere that is not helpful for talking about.
Natural Remedies For Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
This article is intended to be used as a guide for new mothers who may be experiencing symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress. It is not intended as a means to diagnose or replace professional medical advice. If you have suicidal thoughts or are worried about your own or someone elses safety you can call Lifeline on 0800 543 354 or speak to a licenced professional.
It is not uncommon for new mothers to be experience stress, fatigue, anxiety and depressive states. Postnatal depression affects up to 15% of women in New Zealand alone. Fluctuations in hormones post-birth involve a sudden drop in Estrogen and Progesterone which can cause feelings of sadness, fatigue and lack of energy.
Postpartum Depression usually has an onset within four weeks after deliveryFeelings of depression may be characterised by a persistent sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities. In states of depression, sleep, appetite, libido, energy and self-esteem can all be affected. Depression can be experienced as mild, moderate or severe and this changes the treatment routes. There are also a number of factors which increase the risk of depression, including prior history to depression, living alone, marital conflict, limited social support and a higher number of children.
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What Are The 21st Century And The Century Of Depression All About
The 21st Century can be called a years of change. With ageless technology as well as social media, its not a surprise that psychological wellness conditions are on the surge.
Today, culture is a lot more familiar with the value of psychological wellness and also is discovering to take care of the different obstacles that emerge. It appears like there are lots of opportunities for people to open about their battles consequently, however this can be a double-edged sword.
The 21st Century is an era of development and exploration. Therefore, human beings are complimentary to break out of their regular routines. With modification comes unpredictability. This brand-new era postures lots of obstacles which call for adjustment. Still, with the appropriate approaches, one can get over these barriers without feeling overwhelmed. Vitamins To Help Postpartum Depression
Whats The Difference Between Prenatal And Postnatal Vitamins
Wondering about the difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins?
While theres no harm in finishing off your bottle of prenatal supplements , postnatal supplements typically include higher amounts of vitamins A, C, D, and K and minerals such as magnesium.
The higher levels ensure that both you and your baby get what you need.
Most women can plan to take the same prenatal vitamin but should ask their obstetrician if theyre at any specific risks for deficiencies based on their medical history, diet, and lifestyle, says Dr. Christie M. Cobb, an OB-GYN in Little Rock, Arkansas.
If you choose to continue taking your prenatal supplements, be sure to check that the daily dose of choline is up to par. The WHO recommends increasing choline intake to 550 milligrams daily during lactation, Cobb says.
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Ways To Address Postpartum Depression And Anxiety Naturally
Postpartum depression requires attention and in most cases, treatment. If you think that you are experiencing PPD and/or PPA, here are some steps that you can take.
The first three are ones I would get started on ASAP. The remaining suggestions are for lifestyle changes that can be helpful when dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety. These simple adjustments to your lifestyle can be very effective in making you feel like your old self again.
1) See your doctor and run some labs. First and foremost, if you think youre experiencing symptoms of PPD, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. Being seen by your physician is an important step in helping you to diagnose and address your symptoms.
Many doctors may simply treat postpartum depression with antidepressants. Personally, I try to avoid antidepressants and like to take a nutritional and holistic approach to mental health issues. However, you should discuss your plans and preferences with your doctor, and consider filling the prescription because antidepressants can be life-saving and should absolutely be considered for managing severe postpartum depression.
Most importantly, though, is to have your blood work done. Ask your doctor to run labs to check for nutritional deficiencies and other health issues such as your thyroid that may be contributing to your symptoms.
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What Causes The Baby Blues
While the exact cause of baby blues is unknown, its not at all surprising to think that a new mama would experience a variety of emotions. Consider what your body, your mind, and your spirit has been through these past 10 months?!?! Radical changes! Be gentle with yourself if you arent excited about waking up three to four times a night or being peed or pooped on.
The following is a list of the most common contributing factors to developing baby blues:
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