Recommended for Post-Partum Depression: Omega 3s and Group Therapy
December 31st, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Headline
Though the experience of giving birth and becoming a mother is a joyous one for many, some mothers may experience prolonged or chronic periods of emotional and mental difficulty following their deliveries, and a state of post-partum depression may make life less enjoyable. Hoping to help women fight the onset of this fairly common pregnancy challenge, researchers at the University of Wisconsin have suggested that a heightened intake of Omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy can help avoid symptoms, and have also noted that group psychotherapy for mothers has proven to be an effective treatment option.
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Motherhood is a major change in the life of a woman and there will definitely be a little bit of confusion and anxiety in their minds regarding the new found joy. Sometimes, too much of happiness can also make a person nervous!
A new-found status and a major change must be reasons enough to bring about mental difficulty. Whatever it is, it is a period of a lot of adjustment and modification in lifestyle of a woman for sure.
Individuals having the same problem are at a benefit if given counseling and suggestions to solve the problem if they are done while in a group. This is because it reduces the pressure each individual is under, to react to the solution suggested, and also brings in newer and possibly better ways to overcome the problem, with inputs from any one of the participants…
One thing bugs me. The label of “baby blues” should never have been used for post partum depression. It makes a serious condition sound inconsequential as if it will blow over in a day.
I agree that the “blues” has a somewhat trivial ring to it. Crime statistics tell us that this condition has turned mothers into killers of their own children. You can’t get much more serious than that. I’m glad to see there’s help at hand in the form of therapy and Omega3. Do whatever works, ladies. You can’t rewind those precious early months.
I’ve always said that new mothers need to meet other new mothers. They don’t need to feel alienated and alone. Sorry guys but husbands just don’t get it! You’ll never understand the angst of stretch marks and a baby’s constant demands. Group therapy is a great option. Hoorah!
That makes sense. Omega 3 has been recommended in autism spectrum disorder circles for children to help their brain development for a few years now. I can see why it would help mothers replenish what was lost.
Here’s some information on it.
Writings published by the Autism Research Institute state that children with ASD are helped with amounts of omega-3 fatty acids ranging from 20 to 60 mg per kilogram of body weight. So, for a 25 kg (55 lb) child, this would be 500 to 1500 mg per day of omega-3 fatty acids.
http://autismchangingtomorrow.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/amounts-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-in-autism/
New mothers need families that are willing to help them learn how to care for a baby. The support systems aren’t in place anymore. How many live within driving or walking distance of their siblings or grandparents nowadays? You’re lucky to be in the same country, never mind town. No wonder post partum depression is rife.
I can’t imagine having gone through the first year of my son’s life without my mother to help me stay sane! Some days I did nothing but cry because I’d accomplished so little. It was very frustrating. I credit her with being why I didn’t slide into a deep depression.
I am a firm believer in the difference that a healthy diet can make in the lives of people, and especially while they are pregnant for the mother as well as the unborn child. Too many people make unhealthy food choices and it shows up in their lives in a negative fashion in many different ways. Think of the crap that we willingly expose our kids to while in utero and then never think a thing in the world about how this may be harming the developmant and growth of the child. It is all about what we want at that time not thinking of the future harm that we could be inflicting. I am so glad that the benefits of a healthy diet are being raised in this arena and that it will not only help new moms maintain sanity but will give them a healthy child to love and nourish for a very long time.
Looks like omega 3s are the new cure all for everything. Is it too good to be true or is this really going to help me with everything from post partum to heart disease?
There is something quite healing about being surrounded by others that know your pain very personally. Group therapy for postpartum women can provide a safe place for new moms to talk about the difficulties they are having without shame. This unconditional acceptance and validation is powerful! I’m glad to see the promotion of group support. I agree with those that take issue with the term “baby blues”. There is a real misunderstanding about the seriousness of postpartum mood disorders which is totally different thing than the “blues”, a totally normal part of childbirth, which fully 80% of women experience the first two weeks after giving birth. Check out http://www.postpartum.net/ if you want a reputable source to learn more.