child birth – Hello Doctor

Natural remedies for postpartum depression

May 3rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Many mothers experience immense contentment and love after giving birth, but for some new moms, this time can be stressful, worrying and may cause depression.

Unlike the “baby blues”, which is related to hormonal changes after birth, “postpartum depression” (PPD) is a clinical mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth.

After giving birth, oestrogen and progesterone levels in a woman’s body drop drastically. This leads to chemical changes in the brain that may trigger mood swings.

Common symptoms include:

Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or overwhelmed
Trouble sleeping and eating
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Fatigue
Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
Withdrawal from family and friends
Lack of interest in your baby
Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

Sleep deprivation can lead to physical discomfort and exhaustion, which further contribute to the symptoms of postpartum depression.

The most effective ways to treat the condition is through medication like antidepressants, psychotherapy to help with underlying psychological factors and triggers, and support groups.

In addition to these medical interventions, there are also many natural ways a new mom can manage her symptoms PPD.

Eat right

Poor eating habits can throw your system out of whack. Processed or fried foods, sugary treats, refined grains, and alcohol are linked with a higher likelihood of depression or anxiety disorders. Instead, fill up with plenty of liquids like water, milk, and fruit juice. Eat foods that have protein, like milk, cheese, yoghurt, meat, fish and beans. Protein-rich foods help you recover from childbirth and keep your body strong.

Up your vitamins

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most common supplements used to naturally treat depressive symptoms.

According to research, there’s growing clinical evidence that suggests a low dietary intake or tissue levels of Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with postpartum depression. Omega-3 benefits include helping to relieve depression and feelings of anxiety.

Seafood is a good source of DHA. Flaxseed oil is a great source if you’re a vegetarian. Alternatively, you can find supplements at your pharmacy.

Get active!

Any kind of physical activity helps release endorphins. These feel-good chemicals calm you by improving your mood, increasing your body temperature and lowering your perception of pain. Moderate exercise is very helpful for women with postpartum depression. Taking a walk with your child is an excellent strategy and a way to bond with your baby. Bundle your little one up in a pram and you’ll be good to go. Yoga will also help you relax and help you deal with postpartum depression.

Let the sunshine in!

Sunlight is a mood-enhancing vitamin. Take baby for a walk outside and bask in the much-needed Vitamin D.

Avoid isolation

Speak to your partner, family and friends about how you’re feeling and let them know you need help. Talk to other mothers about their experiences, too. Ask about parenting skills that include caregiving techniques to improve your baby’s sleep and soothe any fussing and crying throughout the day and night. The more you are able to sleep, the better you will feel.

When to see your doctor

PPD is marked by deeper and longer-lasting feelings of sadness and agitation. Being in a state of sadness can get worse and escalate to chronic depression without medical help. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice feelings of depression after birth, especially if they don’t go away after a couple of weeks or get worse with time.

If you feel disoriented or confused, are experiencing obsessive thoughts about your baby, paranoia, or hallucinations, see your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis.

References:

Should you do a lotus birth?

January 23rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Lotus birth, also known as umbilical non-severance, is the practice of leaving the baby attached to the placenta until the cord naturally dries and disconnects from the belly button.

In a lotus birth, instead of cutting the umbilical cord within a few minutes of birth, the parents carry the placenta still connected to the newborn baby in a bowl or special pouch. While the placenta is still attached, it continues to supply the newborn with blood and nutrients.

One study found that delaying cutting the umbilical cord by just by a few minutes could help boost brain development. Children whose cords were cut more than three minutes after birth had slightly higher social skills and fine motor skills than those whose cords were cut within 10 seconds.

Delayed clamping

The World Health Organization recommends delayed cord clamping of not less than one minute. This is believed to help improve maternal bond and connections.

Researchers from the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Uppsala University in Sweden randomly assigned half of 263 healthy newborns have their cords clamped more than three minutes after birth.

The other half were clamped less than 10 seconds after birth.

Four years later, the children underwent a series of assessments for IQ, social, motor, and communication skills, problem-solving and behaviour. Those with delayed cord clamping showed modestly higher scores in social skills and fine motor skills. When separated by sex, only the boys showed statistically significant improvement.

With a lotus birth, the cord is never intentionally detached. After the cord eventually falls off, both the cord and placenta are placed in a special pot or pouch. They’re treated with herbs and salt until the cord breaks.

This procedure is different from the standard medical practice, which cuts the umbilical cord within 10 seconds after birth or slightly longer; at least one minute.

Is it safe?

People who support the procedure believe that cutting the umbilical cord creates a physical shock and deprives the baby of the extra blood and nutrients remaining in the placenta after birth.

Supporters of lotus birth believe in treating the baby, placenta and umbilical as one; and that the cord and placenta will instinctively “know” when it’s time to separate.

While there may be advocates for this procedure, experts are sceptical about lotus birth, and some warn that it may even be harmful to the baby. One way of looking at it is that you’re keeping a newborn connected to a dead and decaying organ, which could be a source of infection for your baby. The placenta is considered “dead” tissue, and because of this, the blood in it is prone to bacterial overgrowth.

Is a lotus birth for you?

Delayed cord cutting; can help transfer an additional blood supply and is becoming more common. However, there isn’t really enough evidence about the health benefits and risks of lotus birth. Ultimately the decision to go this route is a personal one.

References:

‘I had a Caesarean – What now?’

June 22nd, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

So you’ve had a Caesarean Section – do you realise that this is considered major surgery? It’s totally normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed and physically drained. How do you ensure the best outcome for you and your baby?

Continue reading “‘I had a Caesarean – What now?’”

What to expect during labour

May 25th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Giving birth is one of the most natural processes, but the prospect of pain and possible complications are all valid concerns. The truth is, the more you know about the labour process, and the more prepared you are when the time comes, the better it is for you and your baby.

Here, we take a closer look at what to expect during the first, second and third stages of labour.

The first stage of labour

This is usually the longest stage, and it’s when contractions make your cervix dilate (open up) slowly.

When you’ve dilated more than 3cm, you are in “established labour”, and you are “fully dilated” when the cervix has opened 10cm – which is wide enough for your baby to pass through.
It’s not necessary to go to hospital before you’re in established labour, and you’ll likely be given the option to return home and eat, drink and rest as much as possible before you need to go back.
Once you’re in established labour, it usually takes between 6 and 12 hours before the cervix is fully opened and the baby’s head can be seen. It’s important not to push until you’re fully dilated, even though it is a natural instinct. To help overcome the urge, try breathing out slowly and gently.

The second stage of labour

Your cervix is fully open and you give birth to your baby. You help your baby move down the birth canal and through your vagina by pushing with your contractions.

You need to find a comfortable position to be in, which might seem impossible at this stage. Many women find that lying on their side, or on their knees and elbows is more comfortable. The added benefit is that these positions also reduce the pressure of the baby’s head on the cervix.
Once your cervix is fully dilated, it’s time for you to start pushing. Don’t worry though, your midwife will guide you and let you know exactly what you need to do and when. You’ll be encouraged and supported throughout the process!
During the actual birth, when your baby’s head is ready to be born, the midwife will tell you to stop pushing and rather puff or pant. This allows your baby’s head to come through slowly and gently, and minimises the risk of tearing. Sometimes, to avoid a tear or to speed up delivery, the midwife or doctor will cut an episiotomy, for which you will be given a local anaesthetic if your epidural is wearing off. As soon as your baby’s born, the tear or cut will be stitched up.

During the third stage of labour, you womb contracts and this helps with the delivery of the placenta. You might be offered an injection after your baby’s been born, to help speed up the process.

How do you know when you’re really in labour?

The main signs of labour are a ‘show’ and strong, regular contractions that are painful and last more than 30 seconds at a time. A show is the plug of mucus which breaks away from your cervix. Not all women get a show, so you can still be in labour even if you haven’t noticed a show.

Another sign of labour is when your water breaks, and this can present as a trickle or a gush of water. In early labour, your back might also ache and you might find yourself heading to the toilet more often – as a result of your baby’s head pressing on your bowel.

Once your contractions reach a stage when they last 30-60 seconds and are 5 minutes apart – it’s time to call your midwife or the hospital.

Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com