Taking steps to reduce your risk of developing post partum depression may be the best way to avoid
developing it.
By being proactive and by finding a qualified healthcare professional, you can help identify risk factors and come up with a plan to deal with PPD if it does occur.
Diane G, was evaluated as giving up a child for adoption at age 16 was a factor which needed resolving. She now has 3 children and didn’t develop PPD after any of them.
Below are 10 tips for reducing your risk:
1) Learning everything you can about PPD. This means you are able to recognize the condition early, and give your healthcare provider relevant information to help with treatment.
2) Eating a nutritious, healthy diet and getting sufficient sleep are critical to your well-being.
3) Exercising at least 15 minutes a day can help to lift your mood, feel better about yourself & more in control of your body.
4) Avoid making any life-changing decisions in the days surrounding the birth. Having a stress free environment, makes for a quicker recovery.
5) Let it be known before hand exactly what you want during labour; be it an epidural, massage or simply silence.
6) Making sure you have adequate support during labour is essential. Your partner, mother, friend or perhaps a doula may all offer emotional support during labour.
7) By preparing yourself mentally for childbirth, you help reduce your fears. Reading books & articles and talking to other women about their experiences can help calm any fears you might have.
8) Arrange for some help in the house once you have had the baby. Someone to help with the cooking, cleaning and shopping can help to reduce the thing you have to worry about, as you will be in no state to do these things yourself after just having a baby.
9) In the first few weeks after delivery, you need a strong emotional support unit. Whether this is your partner, your family or friends, they can make a huge difference. This is the time you need people to listen & offer comfort.
10) Attending a PPD support group can do wonders. Talking with other women who are experiencing the same thing helps you realize you are not doing this alone, & it will get easier.