Escaping the Pain of Postpartum Depression

Estrogen and progesterone, hormones found in women, plunge within the hours after delivery. This massive decrease in hormone levels could result in depression. This reason can be compared to smaller decreases in hormone levels which can cause a change in emotion (Roesch 160). How well a woman handles stress could be another potential reason for postpartum depression. An unwanted, unexpected or premature birth can place added stress on a woman. All of these things are very common and could make a woman feel seriously overwhelmed and sad. The way a woman thinks could also be part of the reason postpartum depression takes place. Women who believe legends about being the greatest mother are more prone to postpartum depression. Some women believe taking care of a child is a skill you are born with. These assumptions can be a huge let down and could lead a woman into depression (Pippenger and Rasbach n. pag.). One single cause is not known; the cause may be different for each woman. .
             Leaving postpartum depression untreated can force much more pain and suffering upon a woman. If a woman does not receive help or help herself, then the depression will linger. Also, non-treatment can cause a woman's depression to become stronger (Pippenger and Rasbach n. pag.). Postpartum depression can be solved naturally by way of alternative therapy methods, such as psychotherapy, and also artificially by means of antidepressants.
             Solution 1: Natural Alternative Methods.
             The first solution to postpartum depression, alternative methods, can involve any type of treatment that does not incorporate the use of drugs or medication; these can include something as simple as impeccable self care, to support groups, to a more complicated treatment option-therapy. Ann Dunnewold and Diane Sanford, writers of the book Postpartum Survival Guide, explain that the most vital part of overall health is taking good physical care of oneself.