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Tips for
fathers and friends of mothers suffering from postpartum depression
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Common
Mistakes that Fathers and Friends of Mothers Suffering from Postpartum
Depression make.
Tips for fathers and
friends of mothers suffering from postpartum depression:
The most important concept that fathers
need to understand is that the diagnosis Postpartum Depression is
a real syndrome. Postpartum depression typically happens for one of
several reasons. First, after the birth of a child, hormone levels in
women radically change. Due to the fact that hormones play a role in
women’s moods and feelings, women after childbirth are at risk for
severe mood changes. Second, incubating and birthing a child puts the
female body under tremendous stress. Physically healing from such a
process requires an enormous amount of energy, never mind emotional
strength. Lastly, from a socially-culturally perspective, new mom’s
have just experienced a major life change. They are mom’s, and now for
at least the next eighteen years will have someone depending upon them
for their survival. This is particularly true in the early years. A
supportive, understanding partner is a critical aid in her recovery
process. Specific things you can do are the following:
- Validate
her feelings:
Acknowledge that postpartum depression is a real syndrome. Give her
permission to feel the way that she does. Do extra chores around
the house: By assuming an increased portion of the household
chores, like cooking, washing clothes, vacuuming, making meals, in
essence her household responsibilities will be reduced.
- Protect her
nap time: Many people
will be calling with good wishes or dropping by to greet the baby.
Most people want to acknowledge the birth, congratulate mom on her
hard work and meet the new member of your family. Mom may have a
hard time saying no. Your job is to set boundaries around the times
that people call and visit so that she can focus on feeding the baby
and sleep when she/he does.
- Care for
her the way she is caring for the baby:
Give her a massage, get her bath ready, bring her breakfast in bed.
Tell her she is wonderful and that you are proud of the way she is
caring for your baby.
- Do not
judge her. Simply listen:
Do not argue with her when she tells you what she is experiencing.
Simply ask questions to try to understand her perspective better. Do
not judge her feelings. It is normal to experience a whole range of
emotions. Acknowledging the problem is a key step in recovery.
Ignoring the problem typically only makes the problem worse.
- Attend all
the doctor’s appointments with her:
By attending the appointments with her, you are demonstrating the
degree to which you take her experiences seriously and willingness
to be a part of the solution. Postpartum Depression is scary.
“Normal” “well-adjusted women” who do not associate themselves with
being depressed are suddenly in a position of not feeling good.
- Encourage
her to focus on “getting by” as opposed to being the “perfect
mother.” Aiming for
perfection causes burn-out. Help her think in terms of "the long
haul." Motherhood, as is fatherhood, is a 24/7 job that lasts for
years and years.
- Take some
time to care for yourself:
Unless you maintain your own health, you will be in no position to
help the new mother.
- If the
mother is unable, or unwilling to care for the baby or suicidal seek
immediate help.
Common Mistakes that
Fathers and Friends of Mothers Suffering from Postpartum Depression
make:
- Ignoring depression, or trying to talk her out of it.
- Getting mad at her.
- Comparing her to other mothers.
- Emotionally distancing yourself from the situation.
- Hiding your feelings.
- Focusing on the infant, as opposed to focusing your energy on the
new mother so that she can focus her attention on her new baby
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If you live in the Philadelphia
area, and wish to enroll in a support group or schedule a therapy
session please contact The Center For Growth, Inc. 233 South 6th Street,
Philadelphia PA 19106 and speak with Alex (215) 570 - 8614.
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