A new baby is an exciting time for any parent, but a new mom must also deal with the changes in her body after childbirth. There are many terms used to describe the hormone fluctuations a woman experiences, such as baby blues or postpartum psychosis. Because breast-feeding is a large part of life with a new baby, a woman may hesitate to take prescription medication while dealing with anxiety. This leaves some searching for natural approach to the anxiety of baby blues.
Postpartum Depression
MayoClinic.com reports there are a number of factors involved in postpartum depression. Pregnancy brings a host of hormone of changes to a woman's body. After childbirth, the system will attempt to balance hormones and return to a normal state. The sudden drop in the production of estrogen and progesterone may be one cause of the depression and anxiety that women feel with a new baby. Other possible considerations include lack of sleep and the demands of newborn care.
Risk Factors
Not every woman experiences what has been coined the baby blues. There are lifestyle and health issues that may put you at risk for postpartum depression. MayoClinic.com suggests women that have a history of depression before pregnancy are more likely to have anxiety after giving birth. This is especially true for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A newborn brings with it duties that can be stressful as well. A good support system of family and friends may be all it takes for new mom to deal with issues and life with baby.
Natural Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries and one of the hormones that helps regulate menstruation. Natural progesterone is a product derived from yams that promises to help with hormone fluctuations. The most common use of natural progesterone is for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. During menopause, a woman's body goes through hormone changes much the same way it does after giving birth. There are no scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of natural progesterone for either menopause or postpartum depression. You should discuss the use of natural progesterone with your doctor before trying it. Postpartum psychosis can be a serious condition that requires medical treatment, and alternative treatments, such as natural progesterone, may not be enough deal with the anxiety.
Benefits
The benefits of using a natural progesterone product for treatment of anxiety and postpartum depression are unclear. A 2008 study conducted by the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Facility of Nursing regarding synthetic progestogens, such as natural progesterone, found that use may actually put women at higher risk for postpartum depression. The seriousness of postpartum depression and anxiety makes experimenting with an alternative treatment unwise, especially since there is no evidence that natural progesterone will help.
Considerations
If you are expecting a child and feel you might be at risk for increased anxiety and postpartum depression, discuss your situation with your doctor prior to the birth of your baby. This will help the doctor evaluate your situation and create a plan for dealing with the baby blues. Postpartum depression can lead to severe anxiety and if left untreated may affect the relationship between mother and baby. MayoClinic.com reports that children of mothers with untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have problems later in life, such as hyperactivity. After giving birth, if you find yourself anxious and depressed, seek medical help.
