Motherhood is a wonderful and joyous experience. However, for some, the celebrations and recovery are hindered by depression and anxiety.
Postpartum depression in women is extremely common and is the cumulative result of numerous factors. Mothers who feel the baby blues are often seen struggling to bond with their newborn, which further exacerbates the depressive thoughts.
Thoughts like ‘Can the baby stop crying?’ ‘Take the baby away!’ ‘Make the baby shut up!’ often crosses the mind.
Baby blues affects 8 out of 10 mothers, while the more severe postnatal depression affects 1 in 10 women, so, remember, you aren’t alone.
However, this doesn’t need to be your reality. You have the power to change this narrative and enjoy bonding with your infant. Hypnotherapy can be an effective method for treating postpartum depression in women.
I’m Susannah Saunders, a trained clinical hypnotherapist with over two decades of experience. I’m also a mother of two young children, giving me both professional and personal experience to help guide new mothers through this difficult time, and emerge stronger, calmer and more present at the end of our hypnotherapy session. Contact me to start your journey.
What is Postpartum Depression in Women?
Having a child changes your life. Suddenly, you are responsible for a human being, who is 100% dependent on you, for food, safety and comfort. While it’s completely normal to feel worried or to keep checking on your baby innumerable times; if you feel extreme levels of sadness, loneliness, and unexplained bouts of crying, you might be suffering from postpartum depression.
Baby blues usually cease after a few weeks of birth, but when the symptoms keep getting worse and you find yourself struggling to bond with your newborn, it might be something serious.
Postpartum depression is a subset of depression, and it affects not just biological mothers but also adoptive parents and surrogates. Mothers who suffer from this condition find it difficult to tend to their child, breastfeed them or even be left alone with them.
Again, I want to reiterate that it is not your fault or weakness. It is a psychological condition brought on by several factors, like hormonal, financial and emotional changes.
What Causes Baby Blues in New Mothers?
New mothers can suffer from different types of postpartum depression, such as baby blues, postnatal depression, and in very rare cases, postpartum psychosis (this is a serious condition requiring medical intervention, as there is a chance of suicide or even harming the baby).
Let’s look at some common postpartum depression causes:
1. History of Mental Health Issues
Mothers who have a history of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder are 30% more likely to show signs of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in women is also more common in those who have a family history of this condition.
2. Birthing Experience
Did you have a traumatic labour experience? Was your child admitted to the NICU? Or have you given birth to twins? Such scenarios make bonding with your infant challenging. Adoptive mothers also struggle, as they don’t have the experience of connecting with the foetus in the womb. Similarly, for surrogates, giving up the baby you’ve birthed might lead to postnatal depression.
3. Hormonal Changes
From the time of conception to birthing and breastfeeding, your body and mind are completely governed by hormones. Hormones estrogen and progesterone surge during pregnancy, and drop suddenly after giving birth, affecting mood and mental health. Thyroid hormone also declines, leading to a feeling of fatigue and depressive thoughts.
The hormonal dysregulation is further aggravated by the lack of sleep, stress and anxiety of looking after a newborn, making bonding with your infant challenging.
4. Fatigue
Labour and the birthing experience is an experience like no other, completely exhausting your body. The third trimester of pregnancy can also be physically demanding, with the growing foetus pressing on your bladder (making sleep difficult) and the growing belly often leading to back pain and sciatica.
The postnatal period is also tough, looking after a newborn and breastfeeding, while recovering from the birthing experience, c-section (major abdominal surgery) or natural delivery.
5. Emotional Reasons
Women without strong family support are especially vulnerable to postpartum depression. In many cases, the focus of loved ones shifts entirely to the baby, unintentionally leaving the mother feeling sidelined and unsupported during a time of immense personal change. Parenthood brings with it relationship adjustments, financial strain, and physical changes that may contribute to body-image issues, all of which can intensify emotional struggles.
Signs You Are Suffering from Postpartum Depression
Here are some symptoms of postpartum depression in women:
- Severe mood swings
- Struggling to bond with your newborn
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt and inadequacy
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Change in eating habits and sleep patterns
- Withdrawing from partner and family members
- Recurring thoughts of suicide or death
- Overwhelming weakness
How Postpartum Hypnotherapy Can Help You
Postpartum depression in women, if left untreated, can last for months and might lead you to lose the precious yet fleeting moments of the newborn phase.
Postpartum depression remedies will depend on the severity of your condition. For cases of milder baby blues, you might seek help from family, get adequate sleep, take extra care of yourself and avoid alcohol, cigarettes or other recreational drugs to alleviate the symptoms.
To treat postnatal depression, CBT, medication and hypnotherapy are found to be effective. Here’s how depression hypnotherapy can help you bond with your infant:
- Stress reduction: Stress is at an all-time high after a baby is born, and hypnotherapy helps reduce stress levels and promotes relaxation. It can help bring in a sense of calm and level-headed thinking.
- Resolving emotional triggers: There might be prenatal or childhood trauma or PTSD, which might lead to baby blues. During hypnotherapy, the subconscious mind is accessed and emotional triggers, negative thought patterns and self-limiting beliefs are resolved.
- Self-empowerment: In a state of hypnosis, the subconscious mind is susceptible to change and positive suggestions. Hypnotherapists can help instil self-confidence and self-compassion in new mothers, helping them navigate this new phase of life more calmly and positively.
Contact Susannah to Positively Deal With Postpartum Changes
Postpartum depression in women has far-reaching impacts not only on the mother but the child, as well as the other partner. If you are struggling to bond with your newborn, try hypnotherapy.
A popular postpartum depression remedy includes depression hypnotherapy, where I can help you gently navigate your emotions. By being more present with your baby, you can create a more healthy and nurturing environment.
My sessions are conducted online, from London, which is highly beneficial for new mothers who might struggle to leave home. Just find a quiet space and connect with me through Zoom.
To learn more about my treatment options, contact me today!
by