Postpartum Depression Part 1: What is Post Part Depression?

Awareness for Postpartum Depression has grown exponentially in recent years, but the issue has always been present. Postpartum depression affects 1 in 9 mothers all around the world, and goes undetected 50% of the time. 

What are the Signs? 

The signs of postpartum can range from physical, to emotional, to behavioral. Behaviors change when dealing with depression, but when experiencing postpartum depression, mothers can have difficulty bonding with their baby, or can withdraw themselves from friends and family. 

Emotionally, postpartum can prevent stability in a mother’s moods. A range in emotions can include increased anger or rage, anxiousness or emptiness, feelings of inadequacy, or thoughts of self harm or harming your baby. Physically, signs of postpartum include lack of sleep, over-sleep, changes in diet, or difficulty concentrating. Naturally, new mothers get less sleep due to feeding times and diaper changes, but noticing when the lack of sleep is due to something else is what is crucial to detecting postpartum. Poor sleep quality has been linked to PPD, where new mothers are only asleep for about 81% of the time they spend in bed. 

What Do I Do?

1. Talk To Your Doctor: If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, contact your doctor immediately or talk to someone close to you about what you are feeling. 
2. Establish a Support System: It’s important to remember that you are never alone in battling postpartum, establishing a support system and talking to your doctor are the keys to successfully battling and postpartum depression
3. Remember That This is Normal: Postpartum is far more common than people realize. It is natural for hormone levels to change after delivery, and with that comes changes. Symptoms of postpartum can be difficult to diagnose, but always remember that you are not alone and that it is okay to ask for help. 

Allowing both mothers and fathers to sleep comfortably and with peace of mind is the mission of Crescent Womb, we want to promote the safest sleeping option for babies, while also allowing parents to get the sleep they deserve and need. Sleep is vital to humans for a variety of reasons, but lack of sleep can cause parents to have a decline in judgement and concentration. Our product not only promotes safe sleep for babies, but sound sleep for parents. Because all sleep should be good sleep. 

And remember moms and dads, its okay to take time for you! Parenthood is never perfect, so just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!