Natural Treatments and Remedies for Postpartum Depression

After childbirth, some women go through postpartum depression, a serious mental health condition. It may bring intense sadness, making you feel lost or distant from yourself and your baby. In severe instances, you may lose interest in your baby or have negative thoughts.

Remember, you’re not dealing with this alone. If you think you have postpartum depression, seek help from a doctor or therapist. Your doctor could recommend antidepressants. Alongside medication, natural remedies can aid your healing, and having a solid support network can make a significant difference.

Disclaimer: Natural treatments might not work for everyone and seeking professional help is essential could be helpful.

Postpartum Depression Natural Treatment

Therapy

Therapy (psychotherapy or talk therapy) is one of the most important natural ways of treatment for postpartum depression. It can help to talk about your feelings and thoughts, as well as your fears. There are two specific types of therapies that can help: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IT).

With CBT, you learn to recognize your behavior after birth and develop strategies for dealing with your feelings and behavior. With IT, you will explore how personal relationships, including the relationship you have with your new baby, affect your ability to function and feel comfortable. These therapies are natural ways to treat postpartum depression.

Building a Strong Support System

Having a strong support system of family and friends is crucial for your emotional well-being during this time. Don't hesitate to reach out for help with household chores, childcare, or simply for someone to talk to. Support groups can also be a valuable resource to connect with other mothers who understand what you're going through.

Dietary changes

Dietary changes can also offer natural ways to treat postpartum depression. Newborn mothers need to maintain a healthy level of calorie intake, especially when breastfeeding. The body is healing and recovering from the process of childbirth, so you need to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need.

Increasing your levels of omega-3 fatty acids will help you manage your postpartum depression symptoms. Higher levels of oil and fats found in fish and nuts increase serotonin production in your brain and help you feel better.

Prioritize sleep

Newborn care can disrupt sleep patterns, but getting enough rest is vital for managing postpartum depression. Try to nap when your baby naps, and delegate tasks when possible to ensure adequate sleep.

Probiotics

Licensed practitioners like naturopaths or nutritionists who specialize in gut health have found a connection between gastrointestinal complaints and postpartum depression. Keeping the bacteria and flora in your gut balanced and healthy will help you avoid extreme depression and feelings of anxiety and helplessness. And so, taking probiotics would help you if you are recovering from childbirth.

Meditation

Meditation is an excellent way to prevent postpartum depression. A study at the University of Colorado showed that women trained in mindful meditation were able to manage their emotions and avoid episodes of postpartum depression. The women studied had experienced this type of depression before, but when they were taught to meditate and pay attention to the moment, they were less likely to become depressed after childbirth.

You may try working on meditating before having your child. If you are able to develop a habit of meditation and mindfulness practices, you will be able to use them in the postpartum period.

Here's a short video on a simple meditation technique for you... ⇩

Yoga

Like meditation, yoga is one of the natural methods of treating postpartum depression. Aside from keeping your mind and emotions healthy, regular yoga practice can also help you physically reconnect with your pre-baby body. After childbirth, the stress hormones in your brain are in overdrive. Yoga helps you calm everything in your mind and your body.

One of the easiest yet effective yoga poses to help relieve postpartum depression is the Easy Pose – where you sit still and stretch your arms out in front of you with your wrists crossed. You raise your arms overhead as you inhale a powerful breath, imagining a happy place. Then lower your arms on the exhale.

Slowing down your body and focusing on your breathing can help you avoid depression and gain a stronger mind and body.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements also offer natural options for the treatment of postpartum depression. St. John's wort is one of the most popular supplements that can provide therapeutic relief to women experiencing postpartum depression. You can find this supplement in over-the-counter products, and it's safe and inexpensive to take. Talk to your doctor or health care professional if St. John's wort could react with other medications you may be taking.

Important Note: It's crucial to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. These supplements can interact with medications you might already be on, potentially causing negative side effects.

[ There are several other herbal supplements that are frequently associated with the treatment of different types of depression. You will find a detailed article here → Natural Remedies and Herbs for Depression. ]

Conclusion

Experiencing postpartum depression can be tough, but remember, you’re not alone. There are effective ways to manage your symptoms and rebuild your emotional well-being. Trying therapies, dietary tweaks, meditation, and yoga can help in your recovery. Having a strong support network of family, friends, and support groups can also make a big difference.

Most importantly, consult a doctor or therapist for professional guidance. They can assist in creating a personalized treatment plan, combining medication and natural methods to effectively handle postpartum depression. With proper support, you can conquer this challenge and enjoy the wonders of motherhood.

You may read further:

Discover a comprehensive guide to navigating postpartum depression and psychosis. From recognizing symptoms to seeking professional help, explore risk factors, treatment options, and practical coping strategies. Empower yourself and your loved ones with insights and support to address postpartum mental health with confidence and compassion. Click here to learn more → Understanding Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis.