One in four women may experience symptoms of postpartum depression, according to a study by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Although pregnancy can be seen as a defining period for women in fulfilling their role as a mother, it is not always a completely positive experience. Some disorders can arise after the child’s birth, known as baby blues or puerperal dysphoria, and postpartum depression. They can sometimes even be mistaken for the same problem.

Therefore, we will inform you of their differences, mentioning symptoms, ideal treatments, and how hypnosis can be a solution. Continue reading to learn more!

Baby Blues or Puerperal Dysphoria

The term “Baby Blues” can be literally translated as sadness coming from the baby, with the color Blue being associated with sadness in some popular expressions in English, I’ve been feeling kind of blue. (I’ve been feeling kind of sad.)

The scientific explanation for this problem, according to the Mayo Clinic, is actually symptoms of depression after the child’s birth, which vary and change from moderate to severe states, potentially leading to postpartum depression if they continue to intensify.

The real causes of Baby Blues are still unknown, but there are indications that this problem occurs due to the hormonal changes the woman’s body undergoes, which can trigger the symptoms of this problem.

It is very important for the mother to know that these are very common symptoms for everyone going through this phase, and it does not mean it will last long or evolve into full-blown postpartum depression.

Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms that can be noticed after the child’s birth include:

• mood swings;
• anxiety;
• sadness;
• irritability;
• feelings of inadequacy;
• crying;
• reduced concentration;
• appetite problems;
• sleeping problems.

Treatment

The best thing to do before seeking any treatment is to seek clinical follow-up with your doctor to assess whether psychological and/or psychiatric support is necessary. However, some recommendations that can already be applied are:

• Express your feelings to gain greater clarity about what is happening;
• Have a clear routine in your daily organization, such as for eating, sleeping, physical exercises, and a few minutes reserved for yourself (it could be meditating, practicing mindfulness, or reading a book, in other words, doing something that makes you feel good);
• Maintain and strengthen social bonds with friends and family;
• Maintain a balanced diet so that symptoms can be neutralized or alleviated by good body nutrition;
• seek help from appropriate professionals.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

According to the Ministry of Health, more than 25% of Brazilian mothers are affected by postpartum depression. But surprisingly, PPD can also affect about 10% of men.

Causes

This disorder occurs in women’s lives due to various factors:

• physical;
• emotional;
• lifestyle and quality of life;
• history of mental or mood disorders;
• history of depression.

According to the Hospital Santa Mônica, in the case of men, PPD occurs due to variations in testosterone levels and the imbalance of other male hormones. The decline in sleep quality, increased stress, and even changes in routine due to the child can also trigger PPD.

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, the main symptoms of postpartum depression can be confused with baby blues symptoms. But in the case of PPD, the signs it presents are longer, more intense, and eventually will make routine functions with the child difficult. 

Between the first weeks after the child’s birth up to a year after birth, the following symptoms can be found:

• severe mood swings;
• excessive crying;
• difficulty bonding with the child;
• withdrawal from friends and family;
• loss of appetite or eating more than usual;
• inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much;
• exhaustion or loss of energy;
• reduced interest and pleasure in activities you enjoy;
• easily irritated and angry;
• sense of hopelessness;
• fear of not being a good mother;
• feeling worthless, ashamed, guilty, and inadequate;
• unable to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions;
• severe anxiety and panic attacks;
• thoughts of harming yourself or the baby;
• suicidal ideation.

If postpartum depression is not treated as soon as possible, its symptoms can persist for more months. According to a USF article, PPD can cause negative repercussions on the child’s development.

Treatment

According to the The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PPD treatment is done with medications or therapies that may also use medications if necessary, even if the woman is breastfeeding her child. 

Kid’s Health also indicates as a form of treatment, the care in helping the pregnant woman with supportive and encouraging words, follow-ups, and improvements in her pursuit of physical health, with physical exercises.

How Hypnosis Can Help

A solution that can greatly assist with these problems, often without the need for medication, is hypnosis.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), with small considerations from the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), hypnosis can be defined as a state of consciousness [intentionally induced] involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterized by an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion. In this state, the subject is led to experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior [goal-oriented].

Considering that the symptoms of both problems for women are similar, varying in their levels of intensity, hypnosis has the ability to lead women to a state of self-reflection, leading to new insights and conclusions, and allowing them to be more open to follow-up or counseling from a trusted psychotherapist, assisting in all psychological phases of pregnancy.

It is also capable of inducing a state of tranquility and relaxation, enough to deal with high levels of anxiety. In the case of depression, hypnosis can also: 

• reframe traumatic events; 
• work on self-knowledge; 
• reduce stress and anxiety (which can be one of the consequences of depression);
• work on self-acceptance, whether of the mental disorder or another personal characteristic that bothers the patient. 

Therefore, if the woman or her partner is experiencing these problems, hypnosis can be a natural and healthy form of recovery in the pursuit of mental health. This allows both the woman and her partner to have positive experiences with the child’s birth, ensuring that it does not hinder their development.

The most important thing is that the pregnant woman always has medical follow-up and seeks guidance to make the best decisions.

If you are interested in the possibilities of hypnosis to solve these pregnancy-related problems, then you need to read our free e-book on HypnoPregnancy & ChildBirth!

This publication is also available at: Portuguese (Brazil) Spanish