The birth of a child is a great happiness, but also a deep upheaval. So much so that 10 to 20% of mothers are affected by postpartum depression in the weeks following childbirth. This manifests itself in an intense and lasting sadness, a loss of interest in everyday activities, difficulties in taking care of the infant, an inability to perform daily tasks, sleep disturbances and sometimes suicidal ideas. Postpartum depression should not be confused with the Baby-Blues, which occurs between 2e and the 5the day after childbirth, which concerns a large majority of women. Indeed, the fall of hormones can cause irritability, mood swings, or anxiety. It does not last more than a fortnight. Postpartum depression occurs later, on average two to three months after childbirth and can last six months to a year.
The consequences of untreated postpartum depression
In the absence of early care, postpartum depression can have dramatic consequences. “”For children, the deterioration of the mother/child relationship in connection with a postpartum depression can lead to disorders of social, emotional and cognitive development. Studies have shown that infants whose mother is going through an episode of postpartum depression have more eating and sleep disorders, as well as excessively frequent crying. Later, they seem more vulnerable to infantile depression “tells us the Ministry of Health. Hence the interest of benefiting from early care. Treatment uses certain hygieno-dietetic measures (sleep preservation, entourage involvement, food balance, or even fight against social isolation), as well as psychotherapy. In some cases, drug treatment may be offered.
Walking: a simple ally for postpartum
According to a recent study by researchers from the University of Alberta, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicineand relayed by the Press Association, the physical exercise of moderate intensity for more than an hour per week considerably reduces the risk of developing postpartum depression. To achieve this conclusion, scientists have examined 35 studies on 4,000 women from 14 different countries in order to bring together all the data available on the impact of physical exercise after childbirth. As a result, the risk of developing postpartum depression was reduced by 45% in women who practiced physical activity, compared to those who did not practice it. And for good reason, the benefits of physical activity on morale are well known: reduction in stress, improvement in sleep quality or decrease in pain. “”To fully enjoy the benefits of exercise, women should strive to practice at least 80 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Ideally, they should endeavor to be active at least four days a week “, indicated the researchers. The main author of the study, Professor Margie Davenport, believes that once the mother has recovered from the work of childbirth, she can make short quiet walks with her baby. “”When she feels ready to resume a more intense physical activity, we recommend a progressive approach “, she adds.