Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers around the world. This is a day dedicated to the silent supporter in our lives. The superwoman who fulfils your needs and, a rock to rely on whenever, wherever. When a woman becomes a mother, many aspects of her life change. Not only does the shape of her body change, research has shown that changes are also neurological. Interestingly, neurological changes could be the driving force behind a mother’s newly acquired superpower – overwhelming love and protectiveness.
During pregnancy, gray matter (used to process information) in the mother’s brain was observed to be more concentrated than before. An increase of brain activities was observed in the regions related to empathy, anxiety, and social interactions. This increase serves to help mothers in protecting and caring for their child. Moreover, heightened sensitivity is especially prominent in the amygdala; an area that helps processes memory and manage emotional reactions. This helps the mother in being hypersensitive to the baby’s needs and they feel ‘rewarded’ while they interact with the baby. The positive feedback loop motivates mothering behaviour and reduces maternal anxiety and depression. However, as with all good things, it also has its downfall. The desire to provide the baby with the best care possible then causes the mothers to become plagued with worry. Furthermore, studies have found that a less responsive amygdala results in higher levels of anxiety and low mood. Therefore, as one becomes a mother, changes in their brain chemicals and hormones can impact their mental state and emotional well-being.
With the changes that one faces as they become a mother, postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common issues that a mother faces. Due to the demands that a woman has to meet due to the various roles that she plays, oftentimes mothers are under a lot of stress and pressure. Their experience of stress can also be more intense due to the changes in their brain chemicals. Additionally, changes in their hormones, biological, psychosocial, and emotional states can also contribute to the development of PPD.
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. According to various studies, perceived social support has a direct impact on a mother’s mental health. Lower perceived social support resulted in higher levels of depressive symptoms and a higher risk of PPD. Perceived social support includes help from their partner, family, friends, helper, and flexibility one has with their workplace. According to Associate Professor Helen Chen, Head and Senior consultant of KK Women’s and Children Hospital (KKH) department of psychological medicine, in a high-pressure society like Singapore, about one out of 12 to 16 (6-8%) women who have just given birth are impacted by depression. As a result of PPD, mothers may find it extra difficult to bond with the child and it reduces the chance of forming the positive feedback loop to aid their mothering behaviours. When left unattended, depression could have fatal results. Thus, to prevent the worst from occurring, here are some steps to identify and some resources that one can tap on when it gets too hard.
Signs of PPD
Typically, mothers experience mood swings after delivery and can have low moods for a few days after delivery. This phenomenon is known as baby blues. However, should these symptoms last beyond two weeks, that may be a sign of PPD. Common signs of PPD include low moods, being more irritable, poor sleep, appetite, and concentration, loss of interest in things that were enjoyable, and energy, excessive self-blame or guilt, and feeling that life is meaningless.
On top of depressive symptoms, mothers can also experience feelings of anxiety. Some signs to look out for include palpitations, breathlessness, chest tightness, feeling tense, panic attacks, and excessive worries about the baby.
Assessments
After birth, when mothers return to the hospital for routine obstetric check-ups, it is an opportunity for the mothers to raise their concerns for their mental health and for doctors to check-in on the mother’s well-being. Their doctor may then recommend a psychiatric referral. Conversely, mothers can also seek psychiatric help directly should they experience the symptoms mentioned above. Interestingly, a Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme has been developed in KKH to screen for PPD in mothers four to six weeks after delivery. This allows the hospital to identify who needs help and to provide early intervention.
How can we support?
Regardless if this is one’s first baby, social support is crucial in the well-being of mothers. Family support is thought to be key in the recovery of PPD. Similar to supporting friends who are going through a rough patch, we can support by being extra patient and understanding changes in their moods and providing them the assurance that they need. Moreover, we can provide a listening ear without making any judgement and solutions or advice if they ask. Alternatively, we can ask how they would like to be supported to better take care of them.
Self-care after childbirth
It can be overwhelming once the baby is born. Your world would suddenly revolve around this precious little baby that you brought into this world. However, there is a need to still take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others to the best of our abilities. To prevent ourselves from experiencing prolonged low moods or being overly anxious, here are some tips on how you can take care of yourself after childbirth.
Follow a routine. By having a routine, it would give you a sense of control. While we figure out the baby’s schedule, try to schedule some time for you to do things that you like. It can be simple things like reading or playing games. As the baby’s behaviour pattern would change over time, keep the schedule flexible.
Food intake and exercise. It is crucial for mothers to have nutritious meals after childbirth. The body goes through a lot during childbirth. Thus, give your body the vitamins that it needs to recover. Exercise helps to build immunity and to keep energy levels up.
Talking to someone. Having a child can be overwhelming, talk to your support network as a way to release your pent-up emotions. Do not feel embarrassed to seek help.
As we celebrate this joyous day with the strong women in our lives, let us take a moment to appreciate them and take care of their needs and wants. To mothers around the world, today is your day – eat what you want and do what you want to do. If things are hard, seek help and reach out, you do not need to shoulder it all by yourself.
Interesting read
https://www.sassymamasg.com/postpartum-depression-in-singapore-resources/