Just had a baby, and you are feeling the blues; you might have postpartum depression

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

You lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. Your hair is a tangled mess, your eyes are red-rimmed. Your room is a mess – clothes strewn across the floor, bottles and toys scattered everywhere.

A baby’s cry erupts from the crib.

You sigh, a heavy, defeated sound, close your eyes, wishing you could disappear. Finally, you force yourself to get up, stumbling towards the crib. Every day is a battle. You pick up your baby, who gurgles and smiles at you. “He’s beautiful. My beautiful boy. I should be happy. I should be overjoyed. But all I feel is this… this emptiness.”

You try to rock your son back to sleep, but your movements are listless. The joy is gone. Replaced by this… this fog. “I’m failing him.”

You stare at your son, your love for him warring with the despair that consumes you. “I’m supposed to be his safe haven, but I can’t even keep myself afloat.”

Your son cries harder, his face turning red. You feel a wave of nausea. You sit on the edge of the bed, rocking him, but your mind is racing. “What if I hurt him? What if I can’t control myself?”

Postpartum depression can only be understood as real by those who have experienced it, and researchers are attempting to understand how the human brain changes and adapts during this time in the hopes of helping new mothers manage their condition better.

Research published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging uncovers the neurobiological distinctions between women who have experienced PPD and those who have not. The study involved 64 mothers diagnosed with major depressive disorder — 30 had a history of PPD and 34 did not — who were recruited from a larger cohort of 219 patients in Milan.

The study explored how estradiol levels affect the basal ganglia’s structure and function. For context, estradiol influences gene expression, dendritic spine density and neurotransmitter function within these brain regions. Overall, the study sheds new light on how hormonal and genetic factors interact to influence brain structure and function in the context of PPD.

In a meta-analysis published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, researchers explored the significant changes that occur in a woman’s brain during pregnancy and after giving birth. After comparing pregnant and postpartum women to women who were not pregnant, findings show that more than a quarter of women experience depressive symptoms during this period.

Also, symptoms are linked to notable changes in the brain’s structure and function. These are driven by fluctuations in hormones and the immune system, as well as disruptions in sleep and increased caregiving responsibilities after giving birth.

Researchers discovered that during the peripartum period (the period shortly before, during and right after giving birth), women undergo substantial structural changes in their brains. Specifically, there is a reduction in gray matter volume, particularly in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and learning. Additionally, the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions, is altered. These changes are not just temporary but extend beyond the immediate postpartum period.

Does the introductory script sound like someone you know, or does it remind you of some of the thoughts that you might be having? If yes, here are some strategies that can be used to help with what you, or someone in your life is feeling.

Prioritize your sleep

Sleep deprivation significantly impacts brain regions involved in emotional regulation, as well as overall cognitive function. Ensure you get seven to eight hours of rest while they help take care of the baby. If you are a single mother this might be harder, and this is where you lean on your community for help. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family to help you when you need it, even if it is to get a couple hours of sleep.

Exercise

Once you’re able, I encourage you to go for regular walks outdoors. As you start moving again, your body gains a dose-dependent decrease in depression, sarcopenia and overall mortality. Exercising with a friend, or a group class is even better, as it adds a social support component compared to exercising alone.

Eat Brain-Boosting Foods

Decrease your intake of inflammatory foods like processed sugar and vegetable oils, which affect brain function. Focus on foods rich in the vitamin B family, as this nutrient group is crucial for brain health and emotional regulation. Fruits and vegetables are always a good way to stay healthy.

Optimize your Hormone Balance

Getting adequate sun exposure supports vitamin D production, which works synergistically with progesterone for optimal brain function.

Remember, motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it can also be incredibly challenging. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and even a little lost. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from: your partner, family, friends, or a support group. Don’t feel guilty about needing assistance – it takes a village to raise a child! If you’re struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, please reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. You are not alone, and there is help available. Prioritize your well-being and remember that taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of your little one.

REFERENCES:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451902224002799

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