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You’ve spent nine months on the most exciting, fascinating, and yet oftentimes unpredictable and painstaking journey, as your baby grew and developed inside of you. And now you must enter the next stage of this adventure. During this time, many things can happen to you, your body, your baby, and– frequently overlooked but equally as important– your mind.

Postpartum depression affects many mothers after birth. With what is known as “baby blues,” new moms commonly experience sudden mood swings, where they can feel very happy one minute, then very sad another minute, and suddenly start crying for no apparent reason. This is a common experience in the first week after delivery, and it usually resolves itself 10-12 days postpartum. However, sometimes these feelings can linger, and if they last longer than two weeks, it may be postpartum depression, with which there may be changes in appetite, sleep, energy, motivation, and concentration. Those with postpartum depression may experience negative thoughts, such as guilt, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. There may even be intrusive thoughts of suicide and harming the baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), one in seven women experience postpartum depression. 

So, what causes postpartum depression?

The Office on Women’s Health highlights that during pregnancy, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are the highest they have ever been in one’s life. After giving birth, these hormones drop within the first 24 hours to the levels that they were before pregnancy. This drop in hormones could lead to the symptoms involved with postpartum depression. Hormones not only play a major role in emotional processing, but with regards to depression, they also regulate the biological systems involved. Other factors that may cause the onset of postpartum depression include birth-related fatigue exacerbated by a lack of sleep, feelings of being overwhelmed and doubtful about their ability as a mother, and feelings of loss in their own identity during this major transition.

Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate, decrease, or prevent the symptoms from occurring. “Postpartum depression: The worst kept secret” by Harvard Health Publishing references numerous studies that show how social and psychological care for women after birth can aid in decreasing the chances of developing postpartum depression. Home visits from a nurse, therapy, and support groups are some of the key intervention and prevention strategies that are suggested.

As a postnatal retreat developed to tackle this exact issue, Ahma & Co offers a sanctuary with the resources to lower the risk of postpartum depression. We offer round-the-clock recovery support as well as newborn care assistance and education, from a team of experts such as postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, massage therapists, and lactation educators. You will also have the opportunity to form early social connections with others in the same stage of parenthood, many of whom may be experiencing the same feelings and emotions that you're experiencing; our holistic approach to postnatal care prioritizes your recovery and preparation for the next stage in this journey.

For many, postpartum depression may feel like an unavoidable and scary life-altering experience, but it doesn’t have to be. At Ahma & Co, we aim to ease this transition by providing physical, mental, and emotional support for your recovery, and equipping you to successfully take care of your newborn. Our goal is to help you feel more confident, both in your health and in your ability as a mother, and we are ready to embark on this rewarding journey with you. Learn more about our services here.