111 | Is it Postpartum Blues, Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety?

Show Notes:

In this episode of New Mom Naturopath, we delve into the differences between postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. Understanding these conditions is crucial for new moms to recognize their symptoms and seek appropriate help. We break down each condition in simple terms, discuss their causes, symptoms, and management strategies, and provide key tips on when to seek professional support. Join us to gain clarity and support during this important phase of motherhood.

Introduction (0:00 - 5:00)

• Welcome to New Mom Naturopath.
• Brief overview of today's topic: distinguishing between postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety.
• Personal story or client's experience related to postpartum blues or anxiety.

Segment 1: Postpartum Blues ( 10:01 - 15:45)

• Definition:
  • Common mood swings after childbirth, also known as "baby blues."
• Symptoms:
  • Crying for no clear reason, feeling irritable or impatient, anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling overwhelmed, mood swings.
• Duration:
  • Starts a few days after childbirth, usually lasts about 2 weeks.
• Causes:
  • Hormone changes, lack of sleep, physical recovery from childbirth, adjusting to a new baby.
• Management Tips:
  • Rest, ask for help, eat nutritious foods, talk about your feelings, spend time outside.

Segment 2: Postpartum Anxiety (10:45 - 20:00)

• Definition:
  • Intense worry or fear after having a baby, can feel overwhelming and constant.
• Symptoms:
  • Excessive worrying, feeling restless or on edge, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat or sweating, avoiding things that cause anxiety.
• Duration:
  • Can start anytime in the first year after childbirth, doesn't go away on its own.
• Causes:
  • Hormonal changes, previous anxiety or mental health issues, stressful life events, lack of support.
• Management Tips:
  • Talk to a healthcare provider, counseling or therapy, medications if prescribed, relaxation techniques, support groups.

Segment 3: Postpartum Depression (22:01 - 25:39)

• Definition:
  • A serious mood disorder after childbirth, more intense and longer-lasting than baby blues.
• Symptoms:
  • Feeling very sad, hopeless, or empty, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, feeling disconnected from your baby, trouble bonding with your baby, changes in appetite or weight, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
• Duration:
  • Can start anytime in the first year after childbirth, lasts longer than baby blues.
• Causes:
  • Hormonal changes, history of depression or mental illness, stressful life events, lack of support.
• Management Tips:
  • Talk to a healthcare provider immediately, counseling or therapy, medications if prescribed, support from family and friends, support groups.

Segment 4: Key Differences and When to Seek Help (25:40 - 27:30)

• Comparison of Conditions:
  • Postpartum Blues: Common, short-term (about 2 weeks), mild symptoms.
  • Postpartum Anxiety: Intense worry, persistent, needs professional treatment.
  • Postpartum Depression: Deep sadness, long-lasting, needs immediate professional treatment.
• Guidance:
  • When to seek professional help if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Conclusion (27:31 - 29:19)

• Recap of main points: Understanding and managing postpartum blues, anxiety, and depression.
• Personal note: Reassurance that it's okay to seek help and that listeners are not alone.
• Call to action:
  • Subscribe to New Mom Naturopath for more insightful episodes.
  • Follow us on Instagram and join our private Facebook group for new moms.
  • Leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
• Outro: Thank listeners for tuning in.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe for more insights: Stay connected with us for more valuable discussions on navigating motherhood.
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Coaching with me: 

Feeling like this podcast series was just enough to get you above water? Still feeling overwelmed. Like there is too much to do. You are losing patience with your baby. FInding it hard to enjoy this time without a little one. Perhaps you feel you have lost touch with who you were pre-pregnancy with? I can help you manage the stress of becoming a mom. That is what my coaching program is all about: Finding who you are again in the chaos of postpartum. Hurry up prices are going up soon! 

Click here to schedule a 30-minute call with me!  

 

How to Connect with me: 

Here is the link to the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/newmomnaturopath 

Link to coaching call: Click here to schedule a 30-minute call with me!  

Link to my instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/drkailyngalloway/

My resources Page: New Mom Naturopath Resource Page